The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) recently announced the four referees selected as the 2021 NPSL Referee of the Season in their respective regions — among them is California North referee Michael Zapata.
“To be selected to represent my region with this honor means a lot,” Zapata said. “The friends and peers with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working make the time worth it, and I am but one of many capable and equally-dedicated referees in my region. The leadership in California North paves the way in providing its referees with quality education and learning experiences. I am thankful to be a product of this region, and for the many refereeing opportunities that I am lucky enough to have been afforded. If I can lead by example, it is with hard work and the dedication to continue to learn and improve with every opportunity.” Zapata, a high school physics teacher from Fresno, is in his 20th year as a soccer official.
“I am very pleased with the selection of referees who won the award this season,” NPSL Director of Officials Paul Scott said. “There are over a hundred referees in the four regions and these officials have risen above the others. Each working hard to earn this achievement. They represent the future of refereeing in U.S. Soccer. I would like to thank the National Assignors and team owners who recognized those officials who deserved nomination. Too often referees are an afterthought. Also, a thank you to the selection committee who took the time sifting through all of the worthy nominations.”
Please join us in congratulating Michael for this achievement!
