Defender Ryan Johnson missed out on the League 2 Apprentice prize at the Football League Awards

The Comet: Ryan JohnsonRyan Johnson (Image: Archant)

Stevenage have been named the Football League Family Club of the Year for League 2 at The Football League Awards 2015.

Boro received the award at the gala ceremony at The Brewery, London, on Sunday evening in front of over 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

Stevenage were one of three divisional Family Club of the Year winners, with Colchester United winning the League 1 and overall award, and Brighton & Hove Albion being awarded the Championship accolade.

Boro were one of just six clubs in the Football League 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 the entries are judged taking into account specially targeted pricing; matchday entertainment, catering, programme and interaction; and the first assessment visit as part of the Family Excellence Awards this season.

Barry Webber, chief executive at Stevenage, said: “Our award for League 2 Family Club of the Year recognises the work we are doing to deliver the best matchday experience for families across the Football League.

“To be just one of six clubs shortlisted across the divisions for Family Club of the Year was an achievement in itself, but to be crowned the best family experience in League 2 is terrific news.

“We’ll continue to be creative as we look to attract the next generation of fans and their families to The Lamex Stadium. With promotion to League 1 still a real possibility and 2015/16 season tickets set to reward fans further, it’s an exciting time for all at the club as the season draws to a close.”

First year professional Ryan Johnson was one of three talented youngsters up for League 2 Apprentice of the Year and attended the night with his parents. Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin went on to win the award.

The Football League Awards 2015 mark the 10th year of the awards, which celebrate on and off pitch excellence across The League’s 72 clubs. This year all 72 clubs were nominated for at least one award.

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

The next opportunity to visit the League 2 Family Club of the Year is this Saturday when Carlisle United visit The Lamex Stadium in the final regular home league game of the season.

Tickets are cheaper in advance and can be purchased at www.borotickets.co.uk. For more information call (01438) 223223 or visit www.stevenagefc.com