BOLTON Wanderers have won an award for being a family-friendly football club.

They have been awarded The Football League Family Excellence Award for the 2014/15 season for matchday service to supporters.

This is the third successive season Wanderers have achieved the accolade and the club was also nominated for Best Retail Outlet, won by Carlisle United, and Best Family Area, won by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

BWFC scooped the award thanks to the entertainment on offer for families at the Macron Stadium, involving young fans and families through the FanZone and interactive areas in the Family Stand, as well as providing numerous opportunities to meet first team players at events throughout the year.

A total of 42 clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League have been given the award for 2015, with a significant increase in the benchmark standard being applied by the judging panel.

Shaun Harvey, Football League chief executive, said: “The Football League Family Excellence Award gives clubs a standard to aspire to when planning their efforts to attract more families and young fans to their matches.

“It is hugely encouraging to see so many clubs receiving the accolade, demonstrating The Football League’s ongoing commitment to securing the next generation of fans.”

In the past six seasons junior attendance in The Football League has risen by 31% compared with a 6% increase in overall attendance during the same period.

Created in 2007, the award recognises the outstanding experience provided by clubs for young fans and families as part of a scheme that won the Gold Award at the European Professional Football Leagues’ Best Practice Awards.

More than ever, Football League clubs have been providing families with dedicated areas and offering innovative matchday entertainment.

The award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families, commissioned by The Football League, at all 72 League clubs, during the 2014/15 season.