Millwall Football Club has been name "Family Club of the Year" at the annual English Football League awards.

The Lions won the award beating Brighton and Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, MK Dons, Carlise United and Stevenage to win the overall prize.

Many people took to social media to express their shock at the decision, but a statement on the club’s website explains how they did it.

Chief executive Steve Kavanagh, who collected the trophy alongside marketing manager Samantha Catchpole and junior supporter and partnerships co-ordinator Nena Gibson, said on the website: "It is a fantastic achievement to win this award and everyone associated with Millwall should be very proud."

The statement said a change in strategy to attract younger supporters and families to The Den began in 2013 when the Zampa's Family Stand was opened in The Dockers Upper.

Mr Kavanagh said: "When I first arrived at this club it was very quickly apparent just how much thought and hard work went into fan engagement and making the matchday experience as good as it could possibly be for young supporters and their families.

"This club perhaps has to work harder than any other and it's very pleasing for Millwall to have been recognised with what is a very distinguished award.” 

Lewisham Councillor Alan Hall said the award was a tremendous achievement.

He said: “It is a well deserved award for Lewisham’s Millwall FC to be named ‘Family Club of the Year’.

"Let’s applaud the Lions for this achievement.”Â