The annual Young Referee of the Year award honors those who have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and are positive role models

 

Through the Young Referee of the Year program, US Youth Soccer helps foster the development of referees for the future of soccer in the United States. Many of the leagues around the country would not be able to cover all of their games but not for the involvement of youth referees. The national Male and Female Young Referees of the Year is announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, as a part of the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop.

The Young Referee of the Year recipients are awarded for their dedication to the game, their outstanding personal accomplishments, serving as role models to other youth referees and players, and for their excellence as recognized by their adult referee peers and mentors.

2007 US Youth Soccer Male Young Referee of the Year
Jon Freemon, Kansas State Youth Soccer Association

2007 US Youth Soccer Female Young Referee of the Year
Cassandra Ferrari, Virginia Youth Soccer Association

 

Brief bios of the regional winners are below based on the submitted application forms:

 

Region I – Geoff L. Halberstadt, Telford, PA
Geoff L. Halberstadt, from Telford, PA, has been a referee since 2002. Halberstadt's energy on the field shows his love for officiating and his abilities as a referee. He has worked at the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) tournaments for the past four years and has attended two regional tournaments. Halberstadt has served as a referee for most of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association competitive leagues as well as the US Youth Soccer Eastern Pennsylvania State Championships' semifinals and finals. Halberstadt also plays for the Souderton Area Soccer Association and for his high school.

 

Jon Freemon, from Louisburg, Kansas, not only seeks to improve himself but he also helps others. He provides positive advice to younger officials that they are able to use immediately. Jon is always the first to help when assignors get in a bind. When Jon is the center referee, he works hard and appears unruffled and competent. Jon has handled stressful situations with a sense of dignity and professionalism that is far beyond the expectations. He has an excellent knowledge of the Laws of the Game and their application during match situations.

 

Grant Allard, from Maryville, TN, started refereeing as a way to stay involved in soccer after his season was over, but it grew to an extension of his love for the game. While his family traveled around the world, soccer was Allard's constant and he learned from every opportunity to play. Taking his Grade 8 certification class, Allard felt like an explorer learning about and analyzing the game he loves. Since then, Allard has worked the US Youth Soccer ODP Region III Championship, the US Youth Soccer Region III Premier League, The US Youth Soccer Tennessee State Championship and many other prestigious tournaments.

Trevor Cox, from Orangevale, CA, earned his certification in 2005. He served in the finals at the US Youth Soccer California North State Championships in 2005 and 2006. Cox approaches everything in his life with a certain level of seriousness, but enjoys making those around him laugh. Refereeing has built Cox's self-confidence, maturity and communication skills. He continues to grow both as a referee and as a young man. He continuously takes on more responsibility as an official and challenges himself to improve.

 

Cassandra Ferrari, from Fairfax, VA, currently holds a Grade 7 certification. She has participated in the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships, US Youth Soccer ODP, US Youth Soccer Virginia State Cup and other large tournaments. In the summer of 2006, she was selected as the Top Female Camper at the Metro D.C. – Virginia Youth Referee Development Academy. Refereeing started as a way to earn money for Ferrari, but turned into a passion. Increasingly challenging games have given her the opportunity to work with the best referees and to travel. The opportunity continues to give her a chance to grow and mature.

 

Marisa Woloszyn, from Northville, MI, has a referee Grade 8. As a high school junior, she has been playing soccer for over ten years and refereeing for over four years. In that time, she has quickly grown from a beginner to a mentor, by gaining the respect of players, parents and tournament officials. Marissa started refereeing at the age of 12 and has matured greatly as a referee and a person. Marisa is very professional on the field, and does not hesitate to make a tough call. Also, she mentors other young local referees.

 

Lauren Foy, from Niceville, FL, can be seen on the fields on Friday nights and Saturday mornings officiating youth games. She works Niceville Soccer's Under-6 through Under-14 games and Destin Youth Soccer's Under-6 through Under-10 games. In addition, she officiates for the Niceville VIP Soccer for the disabled. Foy also worked the US Youth Soccer Florida State Championships including their final games and several other Florida tournaments. She has been chosen as center referee in several championship games. She enjoys the interaction with younger children, the leadership role, and the pressure of the game and the camaraderie of fellow officials.

 

Lauren Hanson, from Chandler, AZ, earned her certification in 2000. Since then she has earned the opportunity to work the US Youth Soccer Arizona State Cup, US Youth Soccer ODP camps, the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships and other competitive and adult tournaments. She also played varsity high school and club soccer. She continues to go above and beyond expectations in everything she does. Refereeing has taught her how to exert authority with grace while working with youth players and adult coaches. Her goal is to work both college and professional games in the future.

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