Each year, North Riding FA presents the annual Michael Yendall Referee of the Year Award to one of our Centre of Referee Excellence (CORE) referees in memory of Michael Yendall - a very talented up and coming referee who tragically passed away in 2011.   
Last night at our Match Official Cup Final Seminar at Middlesbrough FC, we presented the 2022 award to 20-year-old Alex Bourner; a young referee from Middlesbrough who was also appointed as referee to our Women’s Cup Final.  

Alex, who is now the ninth winner of this award, has had an excellent season and is on track to receive promotion to Level 4 status in the summer. 

Michael’s parents, David and Tracy (pictured) were our guests at the Riverside Stadium last night to once again present the award.
 
Ross Joyce, Referee Development Manager at North Riding FA, said: “Michael was a great lad and was held in high esteem as a referee. Everything about Michael was professional and he was a great credit to his parents and family. Michael was very talented and there’s no doubt he was going to a high level within refereeing when he tragically passed away. 

“When we heard of his death it hit everyone here at North Riding, including his fellow refereeing friends, and we wanted to do something to remember him by, so we came up with the annual award.

“Everyone at North Riding FA would like to congratulate Alex on winning the 2022 Michael Yendall award.”