Russ scoops three awards at MFA Referees Evening

A massive well done to Referees Secretary Russell HOYTE⁩ for receiving richly deserved recognition at the Manchester FA Referees Awards Evening at Hotel Football.

He received the inaugural Spirit of Refereeing award for his outstanding work and commitment to supporting and developing our match officials and a Ten Years Service award.

At Manchester FA Referees Awards evening, the L&C was recognised for the work it does for Match Official Development.

This is a massive achievement given that the League supports referees for the four local County FAs - Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire.

We also have National Officials from the Army, FA/PGMOL and other visiting County Officials.

We now have inexperienced referees, some doing their very first games, through to those also doing National Conference and International Youth games.

I understand sometimes you may not see the value of Referees learning and developing their trade, but the 900+ games of football the League provides referees, is exactly the challenging environment why last season we attracted ninety-four officials doing games at varying levels.

We currently have a volunteer League Team, comprising of FA Observers, Club Managers, Senior Referees, and League Officials - totalling sixteen. I am not aware of any other Leagues who provide such assistance.