Ruben van Klinken (17) from Nieuw-Weerdinge has been chosen as KNVB amateur referee of the year. He won against three other finalists in an election that started in September.
The winner was declared on Saturday, during the FairPlay Day at the KNVB in Zeist. Winners were announced in five categories: a female and male KNVB referee, a female and male Association referee, and a Talent of the Year. Van Klinken won in the KNVB referee category.
After the first round in September, 48 provincial winners remained. In the meantime, the KNVB has also started watching matches that were led by one of the 48. Four finalists remained in each category.
Yesterday they were allowed to present themselves to the jury, including top referee Serdar Gözübüyük and football journalist Sjoerd Moussou.
In addition to being a referee, Van Klinken is also a football player himself, at Titan/NWVV.