CARDIFF CITY WIN 'EXTRA MILE' PL AWARD
Building on the award winning work carried out at Cardiff City Stadium, the Premier League have recognised the Club's welcome to away fans in the 2014/15 season, with the Bluebirds picking up the ‘Extra Mile Award’.
Cardiff City, having previously picked up the Football League ‘Family Club of the Year’ award in 2011 and 2013, added to with the ‘Best Customer Experience’ award at the Stadium Business Summit for our Family Stand in 2011, has also met the ‘Football League Family Excellence’ standard every year since the scheme first launched in 2005/06. The latest award acknowledges the efforts made in welcoming Premier League away fans to the Welsh capital.
A Premier League Supporter Services spokesperson said, “Cardiff City played a major role in improving the experience for away fans. Their approach to away fans stands out, they take ownership of visiting fans and go the extra mile to ensure that they have an enjoyable day. They have introduced specific twitter feeds, visitor guides and more importantly give fans a great day out, inspiring other clubs to take their lead. Cardiff City changed perceptions and provided the best experience on the road last season.
“‘I want to write to you to say thank you for your hospitality,’ read a letter from a Manchester City fan, after attending Cardiff’s first home match of the season. ‘It was so nice to be treated with respect. Your stewards and the police were brilliant and made the fans welcome.
"’The atmosphere in the ground was unbelievable; I had to put my fingers in my ears when you scored. Once again, Cardiff City Football Club, thank you and well done.’"
A club spokesperson added, “Having faced difficult away days of our own, we thought a positive and proactive approach was the best means of showing how we wanted our own fans to be treated on the road. The simplicity of easy access and a warm welcome at the end of a long journey is all many travelling fans want before watching their team play. It’s at the core of what we do, from which everything else follows.
“We want to continually grow, learning from our peers and working within the areas we can control on providing the best possible experience for our supporters and visiting fans alike. It’s an ongoing and collaborative project involving stadium staff, fans and stadium partners, including our excellent relationship with South Wales Police. With the input, feedback and constructive criticism from all concerned, the club and match-day experience, across all areas of the stadium can continue to evolve and improve.”
