David Jeffrey said he felt "humbled" after being honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
The highly decorated Irish League manager and former player has received an MBE for services to football and community relations in Northern Ireland.
The 58-year-old, who played for and managed Linfield, has lifted 31 honours during a managerial career spanning over two decades.
Jeffrey, who has been manager of Ballymena United since 2016, also works as a senior social worker.
"I feel humbled," Jeffrey told the BBC.
"I have a tremendous family and am very proud for my mum and dad, who are amazing. I'm so proud that God has given me this length of time with them being around.
"They and the rest of my family have been so supportive. I am the fortunate one who has got the award but there are many, many great people behind me.
"Sport brings people together and football is very much part of the community. I have been fortunate enough to work with young people, with families, with older people, people with physical disabilities and with complex healthcare needs.
"If I can help and serve and be of some use then I have tried to do that. Football and the services to the community go very much hand in hand. A big part of me is serving others so to be recognised is phenomenal."
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland football legend Julie Nelson was also recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM).
The 36-year-old defender helped her country reach next summer's Euro finals for the first time ever.
She was the first women's player to reach 100 caps for Northern Ireland.
"I wouldn't be getting the award without the help of everyone who has been on the journey with me," Nelson said.
"Especially my parents, who drove me here, there and everywhere and helped pay for my knee surgery when I was 19.
"There is also all the support team that I have had along the way, the players and the coaches, so it is very special for everyone."
Elsewhere, former Ireland rugby international Dr Nigel Carr has received an MBE for services to sport and community relations.
Meanwhile, BEMs have been awarded to Andrew Cochrane (for services to disability sport and mental health awareness), William Craig (for services to cricket and the community in Eglinton) and Raymond McCullough (for services to motorbike racing in Northern Ireland).
