'Fans of the Future', The Football League's central strategy for attracting more young fans and families to live football - continues to go from strength to strength.  In its first three seasons more than 750,000 young fans have attended League matches as a result, with the overwhelming majority benefitting from free tickets made available by clubs.  'Fans of the Future' is supported by The League's Official Energy Partner, E.ON.

The issue of free football tickets for young fans has been high on the media agenda in recent days with Scottish Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell supporting a campaign led by politician Frank McAveety to encourage Scottish clubs to give tickets away to youngsters.

As part of 'Fans of the Future', a total of 26 Football League clubs are already providing free season tickets to junior supporters with 27 clubs also making free tickets available at individual matches throughout the season, whilst others provide heavily discounted tickets and family ticket packages.  To find out more click here.

Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle, said: "The 'Fans of the Future' initiative is helping young fans to develop a lifelong passion for watching live football, with many having benefited already from free or heavily discounted tickets.

"However, we also believe that this strategy needs to encompass more than just giving away tickets.  With this in mind, The League and its clubs are also engaged in a concerted effort to improve the family experience at our matches.  This has resulted in a 12% increase in the numbers of people watching matches in family areas this season." 

In 2007/08 The Football League introduced its 'Family Excellence Award', which recognised clubs that were delivering consistently excellent days out for families at their matches.  The Award was based on 'mystery shopper' visits to all 72 clubs that assessed the matchday experience at their grounds.  In total, 32 clubs achieved the award in its first season and this season's successful clubs will be announced in March.  To find out more click here.

Additionally, at the beginning of the current season, The League launched its 'Enjoy the Match' campaign which aims to encourage supporters in family areas to refrain from using foul language and aggressive behaviour.  The campaign has received the backing of fans with 91% of those who took part in a recent survey believing that eradicating such behaviour will make League football more appealing to families.  To find out more click here.

Free Junior Season Tickets

26 Football League Clubs are offering free season tickets to juniors in the 2008/09 season.

          AFC Bournemouth

          Brentford

          Bristol City

          Bristol Rovers

          Burnley

          Bury

          Cardiff City

          Carlisle United

          Cheltenham Town

          Chesterfield

          Coventry City

          Huddersfield Town

          Leicester City

          Macclesfield Town

          Milton Keynes Dons

          Morecambe

          Northampton Town

          Port Vale

          Preston North End

          Queens Park Rangers

          Rochdale

          Sheffield United

          Shrewsbury Town

          Stockport County

          Wycombe Wanderers

          Yeovil Town