City have been recognised as one of the best clubs in the EFL for delivering a welcoming, enjoyable and memorable matchday experience for families – with the Imps awarded a Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2025/26 season.
The scheme inspects all 72 EFL clubs through mystery inspections focused on family provision, before providing detailed feedback through 12 different touchpoints – City received top marks for their website, social media, refreshments and area outside the stadium.
City’s head of club services Rob Noble said: “Creating a welcoming, family-first environment is at the heart of everything we do at Lincoln City, and everyone at the club can be proud that we’ve hit the gold standard for the fourth year in a row.
“We’re committed to making sure every supporter, from the youngest Imps fan to lifelong Gold Membership holders, feels valued, included and proud to be part of our club community.”
City’s matchday engagement for families includes free activities in Poacher’s Den, on the 3G pitch and in the Fan Village.
Inside the stadium itself are family-focused matchday experiences including an opportunity for young fans from both fanbases to read out the teams, and for two young Imps supporters to commentate on every match.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch added: “We are incredibly proud to see clubs excelling in the EFL’s Family Excellence scheme this season. Their success reflects their dedication to creating welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable matchday experiences for families across the country.
“The scheme is designed to support clubs as they grow their family offer, enabling them to inspire lifelong connections with supporters and engage the next generation of fans.”
Lincoln City fans James and Thomas read out the team prior to the EFL Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Bolton Wanderers at LNER Stadium, Lincoln.Picture: Andrew Vaughan for Lincoln City FCDate: February 14, 2026 Moment of magic: Lincoln City fan Olly, eight, reads the teams out with Alan Long, supporter liaison officer and matchday announcer of Lincoln City prior to the EFL Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Bradford City at LNER Stadium, Lincoln.Picture: Chris Vaughan Photography for Lincoln City FCDate: January 27, 2026 Lincoln City fans in the fan village prior to the EFL Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers at LNER Stadium, Lincoln.Picture: Chris Vaughan Photography for Lincoln City FCDate: April 25, 2026
