Club up for Family Club gong, while youngster Ryan Johnson up for Apprentice of the Year in League 2

Stevenage have been nominated in two categories at the forthcoming Football League Awards 2015, the 10th anniversary of the annual awards ceremony that celebrates on and off pitch excellence across the league’s 72 clubs.

Boro have been nominated in the Family Club of the Year category which looks for the club that best demonstrates outstanding delivery of activity to attract and retain families at games.

Among other criteria taken into account are - specially targeted pricing; matchday entertainment, catering, programme and interaction; and an assessment visit as part of the Family Excellence Awards this season.

Fellow nominees in this category include Plymouth in League 2, MK Dons and Colchester United in League 1 and both Brighton and Middlesbrough in the Championship.

There is an overall award for the three divisions, however the clubs ranked highest from the other two divisions will also receive recognition for being the best in their division.

Dave Toyn, marketing and communications manager, commented, “We’re delighted to be nominated as Family Club for the Year which is testament to all the hard work everyone here has put in to attracting and retaining family groups of supporters.

“Only six clubs are shortlisted across the Football League so this is a real feather in our cap. It’s also further positive recognition after picking up three Football League Family Excellence Awards in four years, which have praised the family experience at The Lamex Stadium.

“Whilst the nomination is another step in the right direction we still believe there is plenty that can be done as we look to attract the next generation of fans and their families to The Lamex.”

Meanwhile young defender Ryan Johnson has been shortlisted as the LFE Apprentice of the Year in League 2.

This award aims to recognise outstanding young professionals at Football League clubs who excel both on and off the pitch. Players registered as a first-year or second-year scholar, or as a first-year professional, are eligible for this award.

The record of the player in all competitions since he became an apprentice are taken into account, alongside his education attainment, disciplinary record and any other outstanding achievements.

Johnson is nominated along with Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin and AFC Wimbledon’s Ben Harrison.

This means Boro are one of just four clubs leading the way with two nominations each, from a total of 19 clubs who have made the shortlists for the first four categories.

To tie in with the 10th anniversary, this year there are a total of 10 categories with shortlists for four categories announced so far.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at The Brewery, London on Sunday, April 19.

Drew Barrand, marketing director of the Football League, said: “The Football League Awards 2015 provides not just the opportunity to recognise star performances, both on and off the pitch over the last year, but also the chance to celebrate the last 10 years of the event.

“This is the best year yet in terms of the standard and number of entries so to make the shortlists is a real achievement by the clubs and individuals involved. We wish all those nominated the best of luck and look forward to a fantastic evening in April when we will announce the winners.”

Clubs not shortlisted for these awards could still taste success on the evening. There will also be awards on the night for the Mitre Goal of the Year, Capital One Supporter of the Year, Sky Bet Players of the Year, Young Player of the Year, the Sir Tom Finney Award and Contribution to League Football.

Alongside these there will be two special categories to mark the 10th anniversary of the event – the Tokio Marine Club Hero Award recognising a member of staff at each of the 72 Football League clubs, and the Football Manager Team of the Decade with 11 selected players and a manager selected based on performances from the past 10 seasons.

Fans currently have the chance to have a say in one of the award categories, with voting for the Mitre Goal of the Year shortlist taking place in conjunction with Soccer AM. To see the goals and vote visit www1.skysports.com/goaloftheyear.

To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, visit www.FLAwards.com.