USSF Kansas Soccer Referee

04/09/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Kyle Atkins for being selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an Assistant Referee! As well as the rest of these amazing Referees, Assistant Referee & Video Match Officials for their selection! The United States 🇺🇸 delegation is stacked with amazing professionals and friends in our community.

We are extremely proud of Kyle and can’t wait to cheer him and his crew on this summer! Maybe even see him in Kansas City?!? 🤞


Kansas City World Cup 2026

NEWS: FIFA has appointed a record eight U.S. Soccer Referees for this summer's FIFA World Cup second most of any country in the world.

Among them, Tori Penso is one of only two women referees appointed and along with Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, makes up the only all-woman referee trio selected for the tournament.

Congrats to all eight of our World Cup-bound match officials!

03/31/2026

We need more female referees like Meghan! 👏👏👏

If you’re interested in becoming a soccer referee please find an entry level clinic at https://www.kansasreferee.org/newofficials.

03/27/2026

Feel Good Friday Post:
Huge congratulations to our very own Drew Klemp (Lansing, KS) on this incredible milestone in his referee journey.

Drew was honored with receiving his very first MLS regular season assignment as a 4th Official on Matchday 3:

📆 Saturday March 7, 2026
⚽️ Sporting Kansas City 🆚 San Diego FC
📍 Kansas City, KS
🏟️ Sporting Park

The Kansas Referee Family is proud of you. We are glad you were able to share this moment in front of your family and friends. The support system is key for a referee to be successful. As a wise man once said, “Well done, young man.” 👏👏👏

Special thanks to both team & Gibby Media for capturing this moment for Drew! 📸


Professional Referee Organization
Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA)
Kansas Soccer Referee Academy
Kansas City Intercollegiate Soccer Association-KCISOA

03/17/2026

Don’t forget to wear green 🟢 today… or you might find yourself in the refs book. Because today, we’re all a little Irish! 🇮🇪

Better idea: grab a whistle or flag and be the one in green running the show like us!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from KRDP! 🍀

03/16/2026

⚽ The Game Needs Referees ⚽

Every season we welcome new officials who are ready to learn the game from a different perspective — and this spring could be your start. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a referee, now is the time.

Multiple Entry Level Clinics in Overland Park are now open, including a newly added course on March 28.

Come join the referee community we have in Kansas!
The game needs you.

Register at 👉 www.kansasreferee.org/newofficials

03/13/2026

A legend in the game and a trailblazer for female referees everywhere! 🐐

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Kari Seitz

Kari is the only referee to officiate four Women’s World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) and three Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012). After a nearly 3 decade career on the field, Kari transitioned to work for FIFA serving in multiple roles, including FIFA Women’s Head of Refereeing. In 2024 she returned to the United States and now serves as Vice President of Refereeing for US Soccer. She is set to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 1, 2026! Kari’s ongoing service to the game and officiating inspires PSRA’s dedication to elite officials.

02/20/2026

One of the good ones. Well done young man! 🫶

This Black History Month, we celebrate the trailblazers who continue to shape the future — on and off the field.

We’re proud to recognize PSRA member Jon Freemon, a distinguished FIFA soccer referee, whose dedication, professionalism, and leadership exemplify excellence at the highest level of the game. Representing integrity and fairness on the international stage, Jon’s achievements highlight the vital contributions of Black officials in sports; breaking barriers, setting standards, and inspiring the next generation.

His work reminds us that representation matters, and that excellence knows no limits.

Join us in celebrating Jon and honoring the legacy, impact, and continued contributions of Black leaders in sports and beyond.

01/12/2026

Monday Motivation goes to these 3️⃣ who will represent both Kansas 🌻 & the United States 🇺🇸 on the FIFA International Panel for 2026!!! ⚽️

• Kyle Atkins – First KRDP member appointed as a FIFA Assistant Referee (2018) & Video Match Official (2022)

• Jon Freemon – First KRDP member appointed as a FIFA Referee (2024)

• Drew Klemp – First KRDP member appointed as a FIFA Futsal Referee (2026)

Congratulations gentlemen, on this incredible accomplishment and for setting the standard of excellence within our referee program.

To our upcoming officials: remember that your location does not define your full potential. With hard work, commitment, and determination, reaching the highest level is possible for anyone. So… who’s got next? 👀⚽️

01/06/2026

LFG DREW!!!!
Sorry for shouting…just very excited!!!

01/05/2026

Topeka area soccer families interested in refereeing in 2026, we have a local clinic coming up in February! Register now so you don’t miss out to make some extra money if you’re going to be at the soccer fields anyway.

Once you get certified as a Kansas Referee, you can officiate anywhere in the state and the country.

⚽️ Calling Players, Parents & Soccer Fans! ⚽️

Want to earn money, build confidence, and stay connected to the game? Become a certified soccer referee!

📅 February 14
📍 Sunflower Sports – Topeka
👥 Ages 13 & older

Perfect for teens, college students, and adults looking for flexible income.

👉 Sign up today: kansasreferee.org/newofficials

01/03/2026

New year. New goals. January is all about preparation.
Same commitment to development of .
Kick off 2026 by completing your recertification and getting connected with KRDP. Let’s make this our strongest year yet.💪