Colchester United have scooped the Family Club of the Year prize at the Football League Awards.

The U’s received the award in front of more than 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry at a special gala ceremony at the Brewery, in London.

Colchester United saw off competition from the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes Dons, Plymouth Argyle and Stevenage to claim the accolade.

The U’s were praised for welcoming families in their successful under-11 initiative, which has seen more than 3,000 youngsters attend a match at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in the first half of this season alone.

U’s media manager Matt Hudson, said: "It's really important to win this, we moved stadium a few years ago to the edge of town and it's really important to stay connected with the local community.

“We made a concerted effort this year to make families feel welcome. This award is the culmination of that.

“We've done stuff at pretty much every game this season to make families feel welcome.

“This is the result of a lot of hard work from everyone at the football club.”

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