Every summer, some of the best teams in each of the four regions of the country come together in a battle for the National Championship. After a year with little to no soccer, teams, fans, and referees alike were more excited than ever to get back on the field and compete. This year, over 30 Cal North referees and referee coaches were invited to participate in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) regional events in June. Following impressive performances at both USYS Region IV Far West Regionals and USYS Region IV Presidents Cup in Idaho and Utah respectively, six officials from California North were invited to Nationals. See the breakdown as well as some action shots below!
| USYS Nationals | USYS Presidents Cup Nationals |
|---|---|
| Cecilia Chavez | Brian Cordova-Munoz |
| Peter Hanson | Eduardo Hernandez |
| Iryna Petrunok | |
| Robert Vincze |
CNRA caught up with Cecilia to find out what the experience was like:
How did it feel when you found out you were selected for Nationals?
I was really excited! It was nice to know all the hard work paid off and got noticed.
How did you prepare for the tournament?
I had been preparing by going out for runs, heat training, and a mix of weightlifting/exercising. I was also ready my Laws of the Game to be prepared for everything I could. Staying hydrated was also important, for sure!
What was the experience like?
It was a great time and a good learning experience. There were many knowledgeable coaches to help us grow. It’s nice to see old friends from different states and meet new people.
What advice would you give referees who want to referee at this level?
Have a solid pre-game to make sure that everyone is on the same page and if not, you have a chance to ask questions and get clarification. Also, prepare with everything you can. Your time will come and you should be prepared for when it does. Stay ready by reading your law book and make sure you train properly. Never give up! THere’s always ups and downs, but ultimately give it your all and most of all, have fun! We’re out there for the players and the love of the game : )
Take a look at what it’s like to referee at these prestigious events!
