Sky Bet has launched an initiative aimed at supporting away fans in the EFL throughout the 2017/18 season.
The ‘Away Days’ campaign will see improvements made to the away day experience of thousands of fans from each of the 72 clubs across the three EFL divisions.
The campaign was launched at the Sunderland vs Derby County game, where each of the travelling Rams fans were greeted with a free pint. From there, fans were also invited to tell Sky Bet how their Away Days could be improved further.
There will be Away Days themed content and prizes up for grabs throughout the season, with players given the chance to win their travelling supporters free food and drink.
Sky Bet sponsorship manager David Tweed said: “We think the EFL is the most exciting, passion-filled league in the world. That’s why we are proud sponsors.
“But we also believe there is nothing that can’t be improved. And we believe that away fans, the beating heart of football, deserve recognition.
“We want to surprise, delight and reward all those fans who brave the early starts, the miles of motorways, the unfamiliar accents, the hoarse throats, the cold pies, and the restricted views for the love of football.
“Away days isn’t just for the ‘big’ clubs and their armies of travelling support. We’re seeking to reward as many fans as we can from Leeds to Lincoln, Middlesbrough to Mansfield and everyone in between.
“Because travelling away takes the same amount of commitment from every fan so every fan should be saluted.”
EFL CEO Shaun Harvey said: “Going to the match, home or away, is as popular as ever with more than 18 million fans making their way through Club turnstiles in 2016/17.
“Such dedication from fans deserves recognition and it is fitting that those who go the extra mile are rewarded through this joint campaign with our title partner Sky Bet.
“We look forward to seeing how the project develops over the course of the season and wish fans of all Clubs a great season in 2017/18 on and off the pitch.”
Last week, EFL also announced EA Sports as an official partner with a new six-year agreement for the organisation to be on-screen data partner and first ever sponsor of the new streaming service, iFollow.