| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michael John Charles Balson[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 9 September 1947[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Bridport, England[1] | ||
| Date of death | 30 May 2019 (aged 71) | ||
| Place of death | United States | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Colfox School | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1966–1974 | Exeter City | 276 | (9) |
| 1974–1979 | Highlands Park | ||
| 1979 | Atlanta Chiefs | 15 | (0) |
| 1979–1980 | Atlanta Chiefs (indoor) | 12 | (3) |
| 1982 | Georgia Generals | (5) | |
| 1986–1987 | Tampa Bay Rowdies (indoor) | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Michael John Charles Balson (9 September 1947 – 30 May 2019) was an English retired professional association football defender who played professionally in England, South Africa and the United States. His career brought him to the United States where he served several decades as a referee as well as a team and league executive. He was a member of both the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Hall of Fame and the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame.