Current board Chairman Gerry Mallon said "We are all delighted for Les who is very deserving of this honour for the years of hard work he has put in, not only for the Irish Football Association, but for education in Northern Ireland as well."
Les Caul commented "I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to serve as a director of the IFA. As chairman I led the association as it considered its governance, structures and strategy. Many thanks are due to the directors, management and members of the association who continually contribute to its work. Without their advice and judgement we would not have achieved so much. I am especially grateful to Patrick Nelson and to Jim Shaw for sharing their experience and expertise over the years."