CITY have been awarded the EFL’s family excellence status for the first time in five years.

The accolade for the 2021/2022 season has been achieved for “exemplary work in engaging families on matchday”.

EFL officials paid two random visits to Valley Parade – against Northampton in November and for Mark Hughes’ first game in charge against Mansfield two months ago.

The club were scored out of 10 over a number of different areas with an eight first time and then a seven.

City scored an average of seven out of 10 for substantial improvements to family experience, including eights on first impressions, travel and inside the stadium.

They scored seven on social media, refreshments, friendliness and feeling value, 7.5 on people, 6.5 on stadium vicinity and 5.5 on retail.

The family excellence scheme is now in its 14th year.

across the leagues.