Town were named Kin + Carta Family Club of the Year at the EFL Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane this evening.

The Blues beat fellow nominees MK Dons and Sheffield United to carry off the gong.

This season the FanZone, which was introduced in 2016, has grown in popularity with a record 4,331 supporters frequenting it prior to the Cambridge United match.

Nearly 700 youngsters have taken part in the First Time Fans scheme, while under-12 season ticket holders having increased by 65 per cent on last season.

The club recently partnered with and hosted a designated matchday for the #HerGameToo campaign, while forward Conor Chaplin is an ambassador for Rainbow Tractors, the club's LGBTQ+ supporters group.

On winning the award, Town’s PR manager Dan Palfrey told the official website: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named Family Club of the Year out of 72 clubs.

“As I said when originally nominated, a lot of hard work from people across the club has gone into winning this award.

“It’s fantastic that the club’s efforts to engage with families and young supporters over the 2021/22 season have been recognised.

“We will continue to build and improve the matchday experience for supporters next season.”

The award follows Town winning the Best Family Zone award in the 2018/19 EFL Fan Engagement Awards.

Photo: Matchday Images

NicRams added 22:04 - Apr 24 I heard we were winning it with only a few minutes left of the event but in the end we ending up drawing. In seriousness fantastic recognition for some hard work by the club. We keep building off the pitch it can only help what happens on the pitch.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:34 - Apr 25 Excellent. Shows that what is coming out of the club is not just talk. There has clearly been some serious action too. Well done all those responsible for helping to create the ITFC family.
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Suffolkboy added 06:10 - Apr 25 As a ‘supporter ‘ and attendee for over 60 years , this recognition is incredibly pleasing ; it takes us back to the ‘good old days ‘ when kids at Portman Rd were passed down to the front row.There they were looked after by parents and adults nearby who supervised them standing on milk crates to watch . Family values are so important ! Exceptional congratulations to everyone involved ! COYB

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Help added 07:46 - Apr 25 Suffolk Boy I was one of those kids but not quite 60 years ago
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Cakeman added 07:57 - Apr 25 Excellent, very pleasing. Well done to all involved.
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exeterblue10 added 08:20 - Apr 25 And no doubt budgies fans will be asking if we're going to put another star above the badge. Yawn! Proud to follow such a family oriented club. Great effort Town.
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chepstowblue added 08:50 - Apr 25 What an excellent achievement. Laying the foundations for the future. Bad news for our ' pubescent 'ultras' who like to think that we're the new Millwall and feared accordingly !!
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JewellintheTown added 09:47 - Apr 25 As a family man myself, if it was a choice between this award and promotion ... ... I'd take promotion ... .. but his would be a close second.
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tractorboybig added 09:56 - Apr 25 this club has always been regarded as one of of the most friendly clubs around
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runningout added 12:53 - Apr 25 Proud of ITFC and now a little bit prouder
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Orraman added 14:18 - Apr 25 A well deserved award. The FanZone has made great strides this season and it is obvious that the pre match activities are very eagerly anticipated by our youngest fans who will get into the habit of making their attendance at Portman Road a lifelong experience
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Monkey_Blue added 17:52 - Apr 25 Always has been a club rooted in good values and the community. Proud of the friendly warm and open reputation… which the club has had through good times and bad on the pitch. The new regime have clearly put money and action where their words were.
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