Honours

This award was established to commemorate the sudden and tragic death of Keith Whalen's son, Ryan, a promising young player himself.

Keith Whalen, of Oldham, asked if he could donate a trophy in his son's memory to be presented to the young player of the year.

The Referee of the Season award was replaced by the Ian Pollard Memorial Shield for the 2009–2010 season.

The award is presented to a referee in recognition of their contribution to officiating in the Manchester League.

It commemorates Ian Pollard, a FIBA referee, MABL Committee member and friend of the league who passed away in 2009. Ian typified the role of referee and player, and the awarding of this trophy reflects those ideals.