This past month our Club Referees had the amazing opportunity to officiate at an FTF competition co-hosted by North Toronto Soccer and First Touch Football.
From March 10th to 12th at Toronto Soccerplex, U8-U11 teams participated in a 7v7 format festival, and U12-U13 teams competed in a 7v7 round-robin cup tournament. Thanks to our Club’s strong referee pool, all matches were officiated by Club Referees, a first for the Referee Program outside of our own Club’s recreational and TOSL festival events.
This accomplishment is especially significant for the Referee Program because in the officiating world FTF events are regarded as excellent showcase opportunities for strong and aspiring referees. The strong Clubs that FTF events also tend to draw out boosts the quality of play alongside the profile of fixtures. In turn, the officiating experience is a lot more enjoyable!
Monday the 10th kicked off the event, beginning with the U10/U11 boys and girls festival games.
Knowing the tight space from the touchlines towards the edge of Soccerplex’s domed fields, the atmosphere was sure to be different from any other matchday experience. Spectators, parents, coaches, and team benches had to make the most of the room available.
Club Referee and player, Leni, reflected on the match setting after the event.
“The parents were largely supportive despite how close they were to the action, as they were spectating close to the touchline. The coaches made me feel on edge at times with how easy it was to hear their commentary, however some coaches made me feel like they had my back, which made managing matches easier.”
Kaelyn, also a Club Referee and player, shared a similar sentiment to Leni.
“In terms of the parents, I had a good experience with them. They created a good atmosphere where I didn’t feel pressure from them if I were to make a call they wouldn’t like. They were supportive, and I was able to effectively ref the games that I was in charge of.”
“I only had one negative interaction with a coach, stemming from the disagreement of the calls I was making. However, I did not let this affect me or the role that I had to complete on the field.”
Overall, the first day of the event ended well, with our referees excited for day two of matches involving the U8/U9 boys and girls age groups
Be sure to keep an eye out for Part 2 of our FTF X NT news roundup coming next week!