Six of the EFL’s most loyal fans have been recognised for their commitment to their Club by becoming ‘SuperFans’ ahead of this weekend’s EFL Sky Bet Play-Off Finals.
Dedicated fans from Aston Villa, Fulham, Rotherham United, Shrewsbury Town, Coventry City and Exeter City who have travelled home and away all season to watch their team have been chosen by the EFL and their Club to be the face of the 2018 Finals.
With over 18 million people attending EFL matches this season, the campaign celebrates the joy and passion of attending matches in person and the wide-range of emotions fans can feel by watching their team from the stands.
The EFL has followed the fans’ journey supporting their Club with a series of short videos capturing the highs and lows of following a Club through the Play-Off Semi-Finals to this weekend’s Final.
The SuperFans will also be walking the Sky Bet Play-Off Trophy out at Wembley in front of their fellow fans, have a feature in the match-day programme and feature on digital advertising at Wembley Stadium. Courtesy of Clear Channel anyone making their way to Wembley will see the SuperFans super-sized in the London sky on the North London Towers.
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey says: “Being in and amongst the action at EFL stadiums on matchdays and experiencing the game live remains the most attractive option to supporters. Through the highs and lows and twists and turns of another dramatic EFL season, supporters of EFL Clubs are some of the most passionate and loyal in football. The SuperFans campaign highlights unwavering support that fans give to their Clubs and captures the unique experience of attending an EFL Play-Off match.
“EFL Clubs are increasingly aware of how they can tailor and enhance the match-day experience to different supporters, with innovative work being done to attract more families, away fans and ultimately create a more inclusive and diverse fan base.”
Aston Villa SuperFan, Anne Edwards, is 72 and has been supporting the Club for 61 years, speaking ahead of Saturday’s final she says: “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to keep my nerves in check to be honest, I’ve got to try and keep calm and not get too carried away.
“The semi-final was so tense, I feel like my heart stopped about four times! I’ve never heard an atmosphere like the semi-final at Villa Park before it was so noisy and electric. I’ve been coming to Villa Park since 1957 and I think it’s the best I’ve ever seen, it was tremendous.”
Exeter City SuperFan Phillip Miller has been supporting the Grecians since he was 5 years old and says: “It feels amazing to be in the final at Wembley, what a performance in the semi-final second leg it was. This is the best football club in the world! For all the bad days, bad results and long away trips, days like this make it really worthwhile. It’s just an amazing feeling. Every player on the pitch in the semi-final was a hero to us.”