US Youth Soccer Young Referees of the Year Named
February 8, 2008

Kansas' Jon Freemon and Virginia's Cassandra Ferrari honored at Awards Gala

The recipients of the 2007 US Youth Soccer Young Referee of the Year were announced tonight at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2008 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh. The Female Young Referee of the Year is Cassandra Ferrari and the Male Young Referee of the Year is Jon Freemon.

Hilary Kennedy, host of The US Youth Soccer Show on Fox Soccer Channel, set the stage for the night as the master of ceremonies for the more than 1,200 in attendance. This was the first year that US Youth Soccer split the Coach of the Year award two categories (competitive and recreational). Several awards were also added including Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Goal and Save of the Year. The Dr. Thomas Fleck Award were also presented during the Gala along with the charter member of the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.

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 Olympic Development Program (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.

Jon Freemon, from Louisburg, KS, 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.

Recipients of the Young Referee of the Year awards are selected by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors based on work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and influence as positive role models.

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.

USASA Hall of Fame inducts Ian William (Bill) Davey

On Friday, October 19th, USASA honored 40 nominees for the year of 2007.

Click Here For Entire USASA Press Release

Ian William “Bill” Davey (Kansas)

Born in Newcastle, Engalnd, Bill has been passionate about soccer his entire life. He has served USSF for many years as a referee, instructor, assessor, and an assignor.  Bill has been a referee in both indoor and outdoor professional leagues, college, high school, youth, and amateur games. 

In 1984, Bill founded the Air Capital Soccer Association, a youth club based in Wichita, Kansas which has achieved state, regional, and national championships.  He was instrumental in establishing the club’s scholarship foundation in 1987, which awards yearly college scholarships to the club’s incoming freshman students. 

Bill has served, both the youth and amateur associations in numerous capacities including,  president of the local youth league, head referee for both the amateur and youth leagues, president of the Kansas Amateur Soccer Association, and State Director of Assessment for the Kansas Referee Organization. 

Bill is currently the State Registrar for the Kansas Adult Soccer Association, USASA Region 2 Treasurer, USASA Region 2 Tournament of Champions Commissioner, and has been the Kansas State Referee Administrator for 10 of the last 12 years.