PLANO, Texas (March 30, 2026) – Two years after its first-ever international trip for referees, US Youth Soccer will once again send a contingent abroad.
Four officials – Audrey Atwell (Virginia), Jade Mallea (Florida), Koen Ross (Washington), and Shawn Westerfield (Ohio) – were selected to attend this year’s trip, which includes visits to Germany, France, and Switzerland from April 14-22.
“We are so excited to be able to provide this opportunity for these exceptional referees in recognition of their contributions and great examples set, both on and off the field,” said USYS General Manager of Referee Development Daniel Radford. “Audrey, Jade, Koen, and Shawn have all been incredible ambassadors for US Youth Soccer throughout the years and we are happy to give them this one-of-a-kind opportunity to continue their officiating journey.
“These trips have proven to be highly impactful for the players and coaches who have gone on them for years, especially through the Olympic Development Program,” Radford continued. “The results of US Youth Soccer’s referee programming continue to shine. Many of the officials who went on the previous international trip to London have become U.S. Soccer National Referees and now work in high-level collegiate and professional games just two years later. The future remains bright and we look forward to where and what this trip and its future experiences will launch for these referees.”
Atwell has been officiating for the last five years and has experience in numerous competitive leagues, such as USL-W, USL-2, and UPSL. She was named the 2024 Virginia Youth Female Referee of the Year and was recently selected as a U.S. Soccer Regional Referee.
Like Atwell, Mallea is a U.S. Soccer Regional Referee and officiates matches of all competition levels. She was selected to travel to Japan last year as part of the U.S. Soccer Women’s Initiative Program and refereed at the Sanix Cup. Mallea also previously played in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program before focusing on her officiating journey.
Ross’ refereeing career started at a young age. He has officiated at US Youth Soccer’s Far West Regional Championships and is currently working on attaining his regional badge after recently graduating from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Since Westerfield first started refereeing eight years ago, he has earned U.S. Soccer Grassroots and Regional certifications. He has officiated more than 100 matches at both the amateur/semi-professional level and across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. Westerfield even went above the call of his officiating duties two years ago while on site at an event to assist in saving the life of a spectator in distress.
All four have officiated multiple US Youth Soccer events, including the National Championships.
During the trip, the referees will attend a Bundesliga match, officiate games, and tour the DFB (German Football Association) Headquarters. They will also visit the VAR Facility in Cologne, the National German Football Museum in Dortmund, and the FIFA Museum and Headquarters in Zurich.
“We are thrilled to be hosting young, aspiring referees from the United States,” Moiken Wolk, DFB Director of the Referees Department, said. “This is a great opportunity for people from different countries to combine their love of the game with unique experiences in Germany that will spur tremendous growth and development toward a future in high-level officiating.”
In addition to the educational experiences, each of the four officials will receive an official German referee kit and have the opportunity to meet and be alongside international referees and referee leaders, coaches, and mentors.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the National Office and US Youth Soccer Europe creating this opportunity for talented referees to come to Germany, learn from one another, and share knowledge and experiences,” said USYS Europe General Manager Sebastian Korst. “Bringing together referees from youth, amateur, and professional levels creates a unique environment for growth, connection, and development. This exchange will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience and an important step in shaping the next generation of referees.”
