Carlisle United have welcomed a new EFL report which recognises its offerings for families at Brunton Park have improved.

The Blues have been awarded the silver award in the league’s family excellence assessments.

United’s overall mark of 8.3 for last season was up from 2022/23’s 8.0

It placed the club fourth in League One and 14th in the whole EFL.

Previously United had been rated sixth in League Two and 32nd in the entire league.

Carlisle were praised for their fan zone and family zone at Brunton Park with good catering outlets and kids’ activities.

These areas “stood out,” according to assessors.

They scored particularly highly (9 out of 10) in areas such as ticket purchasing, offerings outside the stadium, retail and merchandise, and offerings inside the ground.

But a key area for improvement was highlighted as what United do for families post-game, where they scored just 4 out of 10.

They were also advised to use social media “more effectively” to promote what the club does for families.

The league also recommended that the Blues seek more feedback from families about their experience at Brunton Park.

United’s scores were comprised of two assessors’ visits, the most recent being March’s home league fixture against Reading.

The club’s chief executive Nigel Clibbens responded to the report by telling the club website: “The 23/24 independent report is again very positive and shows improvement.

“To achieve the Silver Award shows the continuing improvements and hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes, week in and week out.

“It once again brings huge credit to all the staff. It’s brilliant for all their work to be recognised again.

“We are still continually seeking to improve though, and this independent benchmarking and unbiased feedback is very valuable in giving recommendations and ideas. It also allows us to see how we compare from year-to-year and with other clubs.

“The latest report shows improvement and means we compare really well with other EFL clubs, and our ranking is going up.

“The opportunities new ownership also now brings means we are looking to do even better next year.”