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| OYSL Girls Showcase Final at Caledon East, May 2005 |
DOB: December
23, 1982
Soccer
has always been my passion. I started playing when I was nine years old for the Brampton Braves. I played
here for ten years. Throughout that time, we won 2 Ontario Cups, 4 league championships, and many tournaments abroad. My best
experience as a player was when I played for the varsity team at Milan University in Italy while doing an academic exchange.
I started reffing at the age
of 13. Ironically it was by coincidence that I was introduced to the world of officiating because my friend needed someone
to keep him company at his C4 seminar. From the very moment Law 1 was introduced, I was intrigued and never looked back.
I loved being part of the
game so much that I decided to obtain my c3 at the age of 17. From there I was introduced to many great people who provided
guidance and support to pursue my passion. Special thanks go to Rich Carman, Gary Grove, Steve Potts, Bill Oliveira, Tony
Munton, George McLennan, Norm Oliveira, Rich Oliveira, Mike Winstanley, and Ed Kohl for the support and
motivation.
I
was encouraged to go for my C2 when I was 22. It was the five years as a C3 that I truly developed into
the ref I am today. It allowed me to do games with more senior officials and learn from their experiences
and gain a holistic perspective of the game.
My
proudest accomplishment as an official thus far has been my invitation to the U-16, U-14, Nationals in
Edmonton. Here I had the pleasure of working with some of the best officials in the county. This experience
allowed me to see officiating at a whole new level in terms of the match preparation, physical and mental fortitude. The margin
of error at these games had to be nominal and therefore it required extensive preparation and commitment from all those who
attended.
My
team consisted of Peirece Accouri and two other officials from Saskatchewan. I believe we had one of the best crews at the
nationals and hence were awarded the semi final match between B.C and Alberta U16. I had the honour of being in the middle
that game and can honestly say that it was the most demanding game I have ever done. But also the most fun as well!
Ultimately, my dream is to
obtain FIFA nomination and officiate in the world cup. Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to Hector
Vergara speak at the Soccer Centre. His presentation was on having dreams. He said, “You must have
dreams, but more importantly a steadfast desire and commitments to realize those dreams.” Hopefully with the right attitude,
hard work, commitment and passion I can someday realize those dreams and officiate in the World Cup!
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