by Anton Johan
A recent survey commissioned by the Premier League shows that the demographics of the average football fan who comes to watch matches is changing.
As such, the Premier League will be announcing far reaching changes in the services offered to fans in a bid to improve the overall experience and meet the needs of the new fan base.
The survey showed that 13.6 million fans attended Premier League matches during the 2008-2009 season.
Out of those, 19% were women and 8% were black or minority ethnic groups.
"Football is increasingly attractive to more sectors of society, which is fantastic because it was only a generation ago that people used to look down their noses and see it as a rather narrow preserve for young, white males," said the CE of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore.
In a bid to improve the experience for fans, and also the coincide with the visit of the FIFA 2018 World Cup bid inspectors, the Premier League will unroll plans to meet higher standards, including the introduction of stewards and improving features such as toilets.
The steward's job has now been redefined as "to look after supporters, to help new fans find their way around the stadium and, of course, ensure supporter safety."
Until now, stewards were largely responsible for keeping thuggish behaviour at bay.
The 20 Premier League clubs will also apply for a Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Kitemark from VisitEngland, and will have their stadiums assessed to find how they can improve their offerings.
"With the inspection visit for the FIFA 2018 World Cup bid under way, this new VisitEngland scheme is a welcome reminder of the commitment that Barclays Premier League clubs have to ensuring fans have the best experience possible," said Scudamore.
