At our 2024 AGM, North Riding FA was delighted to present Ian Richardson with a much-deserved Long Service Award, acknowledging Ian’s incredible 50 years of service to the game.

Starting his long, illustrious playing career in 1970, Ian continued to play while a member of North Yorkshire Police, as well as serving as an administrator for the force team. Ian would later become a referee and referee assessor. 

Moving across the county for work, football remained a constant, as he was involved in the game in Scarborough, York and, eventually, Northallerton. During this time, Ian became a key member in the running of the Hambleton & District Sunday League.

Undertaking every role in local football, Ian has managed Sunday teams, assisted Saturday teams, maintained pitches, delivered training sessions, washed kit, recruited players, raided money, and fulfilled endless admin roles for clubs…as well as running both 11-a-side and 5-a-side leagues!

Adopting new systems and technology, Ian has also been a supportive force for other team managers and secretaries to enhance their way of managing things.

53 years on from when Ian started playing, he continues to be involved in his local community through the Hambleton Football Combination League.

Ian is a true football man, through and through, with North Yorkshire in his heart. All at North Riding FA congratulate him on an incredible connection to the game, and thank him for the tireless commitment, dedication and passion he has shown to football in our region.