FA ORDER OF MERIT PRESENTED AT EAST RIDING FA GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AWARDS

The FA Order of Merit is presented to people for their long service to grassroots football in England.

This year we are delighted to be able to present the award to five people from our county who have served football for 50 years or more.

East Riding FA CEO Adam Lowthorpe said; "We are are delighted that we can recognise so many people for their long service to grassroots football. Through their time and dedication the lives of so many people will have been affected positively with so many memories made along the way. On behalf of the East Riding FA I would like to thank all of this years recipients for their contribution to grassroots football."

Mike Edge

Mike has enjoyed 56 years unbroken years in adult football and served on the committees of the Hull Sunday Men's Football League, Humber Premier League, East Riding Women's League and North East JLC 2006-2021. Mike was also a member of the FA Women's Conference up until 2021.

Colin Clarkson

Colin has refereed since he was 18 years old and continues to referee now despite being 74 years old. He has also served as a referee assessor and as a coach at Hedon Rangers.

Colin Daniel

Colin playing football in the Hull Amateur League back in 1970 before going on to serve as a Hull Sunday Men's League committee member. He also serves as an East Riding FA Council member and still continues to volunteer in grassroots football.

Chris Bodsworth

Chris started playing grassroots football in 1963 in the Sunday Boys League before going on to play for Beverley Old Grammarians. He then became club secretary before joining the East Riding County League committee with him going on to be League Secretary and League President. Chris still continues to serve grassroots football in his role as a Board Member and President of the East Riding FA.

Mike Wilson

Mike was posthumously awarded the FA Order of Merit in recognition of his services to grassroots football with Easington United. He first got involved with the club in 1973 as a player before going on to be Team Manager, Committee members, Vice Chairman and Groundsman.