Say NO to bad language, so we can all Enjoy the Match!
Oxford United is joining with all other EFL clubs across the country, in reinforcing a league-wide commitment to saying no to bad language and aggressive behaviour in family areas on matchdays, making the matchday experience more enjoyable for all.
Junior and family attendances across the EFL has risen significantly over recent seasons, a ringing endorsement of clubs’ extensive work to reach out, attract and engage with families. Supporting all of this work is the EFL’s Enjoy the Match campaign, an initiative that for many seasons has helped clubs to promote a zero-tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour in family areas.
The Enjoy the Match campaign can be seen across all EFL league stadia and, alongside the EFL’s Family Excellence Awards scheme, it plays a crucial role in helping clubs to attract families and young supporters to EFL matches.
Here at Oxford United we want our fans to feel safe and part of a vibrant exciting matchday experience. We ask all supporters to encourage the players, respect the match officials and help to create a great atmosphere inside Grenoble Road.
Family activities are a big part of the Oxford United matchday, with the Rascasse Family Stand and Olly's Den and Family Fun Room.
Oxford United Managing Director Greig Box Turnbull said: “Here at Oxford United we want our fans to have the best possible experience on a matchday and leave smiling no matter the result. It is important that our supporters feel able to report any instances of anti-social behaviour that they witness on matchdays so we can take any necessary action as required. The Enjoy the Match campaign provides supporters with the opportunity to raise any issues with the club in confidence.
“We run a series of initiatives throughout the season that allow us to engage with families, school children and parents alike. When we run these initiatives we see a significant increase in matchday ticket sales in our family area and it is down to us to do enough to make sure they come back. We want to do all we can to make their experience a better one.
“We are building a fan base for the future and it will always be our aim to make our fans proud of Oxford United”
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said, “So many of our clubs are now displaying innovative and engaging ways in which they are interacting with families and junior fans. There has never been a better time to visit your local EFL club on a matchday, and enjoy the sorts of entertainment clubs are now providing to ensure the experience stretches well beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
“The new club-branded Enjoy the Match campaign materials are another vital cog in the wheel to ensure that the hard work being undertaken by clubs in providing such experiences, are not undermined by unwanted anti-social behaviour in family areas. Clubs are vigilant in this area and need fans’ support to ensure everyone attending can Enjoy the Match.”