In January, supporters of all 72 EFL Clubs were given an opportunity to have their say on the major issues that affect Clubs and Competitions in what is one of the most wide-ranging surveys of its kind.
The EFL regularly asks fans for their views, but the EFL Supporters Survey 2019 is the biggest since
2010, with nearly 28,000 fans providing feedback on a host of significant issues that have impacted
the game in recent seasons.
The findings reveal the following:
- Supporters maintain a deep emotional and social connection to their club
- Clubs are meeting fans’ needs in relation to safety, atmosphere, ticket sales and information
about their team
- Supporters across all sections of society agree their Clubs are providing an excellent overall
matchday experience
- Most BAME, disabled and LGBT supporters rate their Clubs as inclusive, feel valued by their
club and acknowledge that their football team provides an important focal point for the
community
- With a 21% increase in female survey respondents since the last full survey was completed in
2010, female fans continue to show a strong attachment to their club and the matchday
experience.
Supporters also had their say on a range of issues including match officials, on and offline content,
broadcasting and VAR.
The EFL and its Clubs will now use the overall findings and club-specific data to improve the
matchday experience and to help future decision-making.
EFL Communications Director, Mark Rowan, said: “The EFL regularly engages with supporters on
various important topics but this is the first time in almost a decade that we have carried out such a
detailed and comprehensive survey.
“It is important that we listen to supporters and provide opportunities for feedback, alongside delivering
our Clubs with a robust piece of research that will help them improve their own matchday experience
across a range of areas that EFL fans directly interact with.
“The results tell us that supporters are engaged, tech-savvy and maintain strong emotional
connections to their Club and community.
“What’s also clear is that supporters from all sections of society generally feel safe, welcome and
included while watching football in the EFL with so many of our EFL Clubs providing a positive,
inclusive environment for football fans.
"These results demonstrate that collectively Clubs are working incredibly hard to ensure the matchday experience is a welcoming experience for all.
“The EFL will continue to review the full results with the intention of using them to assist in influencing
decision-making in the future.”