New away day award up for grabs!

Newly founded to recognise the clubs providing the best welcome for away fans in the top four levels of the Non-League game, the FSF’s inaugural honour will be handed out next month at the paper’s 2018 National Game Awards at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

A panel of judges will decide the winning clubs at Steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the National League System before the overall winner is unveiled at one of the highlights of the Non-League calendar on Wednesday 16 May after fans finish nominating their favourite away days ahead of a deadline of midnight on Saturday 28 April.

Nominations sent to ngaawayday@fsf.org.uk should specify reasons for inclusion and the FSF’s national game development officer Andy Walsh says they could include anything from the quality of accommodation for away fans to food and drink offers, ticket pricing and the warmth of the welcome, attitude and behaviour of stewards, staff and home supporters.

Walsh said: “We're delighted to announce that the FSF is sponsoring a new Non-League Away Day of the Year Award - recognising those clubs who provide the best welcome for away fans in the top four levels of the Non-League game.

“We recognise that facilities and resources vary at different levels of the game and are inviting nominations at each of Steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the National League System for consideration. A judging panel will decide the winning club at each level with those clubs receiving an award from the FSF and the Non-League Paper."

Best known to EVO-STIK League clubs as one of FC United of Manchester’s founders and former general manager, Walsh hopes the new accolade will put an annual spotlight on the benefits of improving the matchday experiences of everybody involved in the game.

He explained: “All clubs should welcome away fans and we want to acknowledge those clubs who go that extra mile. Travelling supporters are vital to the atmosphere at matches and away fans bring additional revenue, improving the financial viability of lower league clubs. Without away fans, grounds are far quieter, less vibrant places.

“A noisy and colourful away following will often spark home supporters into generating the kind of atmosphere that makes even a mediocre game more of an event. A good atmosphere at a ground can also attract additional revenue from sponsors who want to be associated with the spectacle of the match and the celebration of our game."

He added: “The cost of travel and tickets can be barriers to supporters, as can poor stewarding and a lack of consideration. The evidence from feedback in the FSF's annual Away Fans Survey shows that those clubs who make away fans feel welcome attract more supporters and reap a financial benefit from both home and away fans alike.”

Image courtesy of @The_FSF/Twitter

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