California SRC South

06/15/2026

Congratulations to the ladies representing the Cal South Female Development Program who worked match finals at ECNL this past weekend! We are proud of all your accomplishment’s.

06/12/2026

Are you taking in the action at the stadium or cheering from your favorite spot at home? We want to see how you're enjoying the World Cup!
Share your photos in the comments—whether it's match-day excitement, watch parties with friends and family, your team gear, or those unforgettable moments from the stands.
Let's celebrate the beautiful game together and show us your World Cup experience!

06/09/2026

Due to the excitement of the World Cup, there will be no monthly Educational Webinar this month. We encourage everyone to enjoy the matches and support your favorite teams.

Enjoy the World Cup, and we'll see you at our next session!

05/30/2026

📢 CORE Announcement 📢

CORE will be dark for the month of June due to graduation activities at North High School.

Exciting news is ahead for the 2027 registration year as CORE plans to expand to more locations, creating additional opportunities for referees to attend and receive outstanding instruction from top-level coaches.

Stay tuned for more updates!

05/25/2026

May Referee Spotlight-Jim & James Lacey

A Father & Son Journey in Refereeing

What started to stay connected to the game has turned into something much more meaningful for James and Jim—a shared passion, a mentorship, and a bond built both on and off the field.

For James, refereeing began as a way to stay active and involved after stepping away from club soccer. “I began to explore new sides of the game I had acknowledged as a player, but never fully understood”.

For Jim, after refereeing in his early teens and stepping away, it was his kids’ involvement in youth soccer that brought him back. When James earned his US Soccer license at 13 years old, Jim realized he would need to drive him to all his games until he could drive himself, that is what finally prompted Jim to get his US Soccer license.

Their first games together at Great Park weren’t easy, but they were unforgettable. Through challenging matches and shared experiences, both saw growth, not just in skill, but in confidence and understanding. That moment, watching his son truly understand the game, is one Jim will never forget.

The best part of being on the field together is the mentorship and shared success. Whether it’s local matches or traveling for tournaments, every game strengthens their bond not only as father/son but as colleagues.

As Jim often says, “don't miss the chance to grow alongside and learn from your kids”. Sometimes, the most powerful experiences come when you step onto the field together”.

05/19/2026

May Referee Spotlight: Ana Valdez

Ana Valdez is a 6th-year Regional Referee /12-year USSF referee who also holds USSF Mentor Plus and Assignor certification. Her love for the game began at age 7, growing up on the soccer fields and inspired by her father’s passion for the sport.

Ana started refereeing in 2014 at just 15 years old in San Diego County while continuing to play competitively. While officiating in the Inland Empire during college, she earned recognition across the referee community — including a 2017 Best New Referee nomination from the Inland Empire Soccer Referee Association, Referee of the Year in 2019 from the Temecula Valley Soccer Referee Association, and the 2021 Gwen Keck Female Referee of the Year award from Cal South. Ana also currently serves as Member at Large for the board of Orange County's high school association.

Ana’s officiating journey has included top youth competitions with US Youth Soccer, earning final assignments at Regionals and the National Championships — including serving as center referee for the U19 Girls Final in 2022.

Now officiating at the professional and NCAA Division I levels, Ana remains deeply committed to the referee community. In 2024, she became a referee mentor and currently serves as an administrator for the Female Development Initiative, helping recruit, develop, and empower female referees across the game.

Inspiring the next generation of referees while continuing to chase the National Badge for 2027!

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms in the referee community!

To the female referees who balance the demands of the game and motherhood with strength, passion, and grace — thank you for all you do both on and off the field.

To the mothers who support referees through the early mornings, long drives, busy weekends, and every match in between — your encouragement and sacrifices make a difference every day.

And to the wives of referees who are mothers themselves, thank you for the patience, support, and love you give while sharing the demands of the referee lifestyle with your families.

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with appreciation, joy, and love.

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

Monthly Educational Webinar-May 20, 2026 PT

We’re excited to announce that Jon Freemon, one of the rising referees in U.S. soccer, will be our guest speaker at the May 20 webinar at 7 PM.

Jon has officiated 100+ professional matches across MLS, the U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and international friendlies — including serving as the center referee for the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final.

Known for his balanced, composed, and consistent officiating style, Jon will lead a powerful session on “Technical vs. Practical Refereeing.”

A must‑attend for referees at every level.

Registration link in comments

05/03/2026

Morning brief prior to the start of day 2 at the Soccer de Mayo tournament.