Sporting Nebraska Announced as Newest Training League
The Training League was created as a joint venture between Nebraska State Soccer and Nebraska Referee Development Program in 2023. The mission was to create an encouraging and safe place for new referees to start their career without the fear and confusion that was found to inhibit referees from getting started, or staying in the game long term. When it began, Nebraska Youth Soccer League Developmental Conference was chosen as the first host of Training League games, but the goal was always to grow into additional partners and hosts to provide more opportunities for new referees to get the practice they deserve.
Sporting Nebraska FC (SNFC) in-house program has been named the first official partner of the Training League.
“SNFC hosts in-house programming and has shown a commitment to the mission and goals of the Training League on their own, so this partnership made perfect sense for everyone involved,” said Casey Mann, Executive Director of Nebraska State Soccer.
Training League referees will be encouraged to seek additional game opportunities through SNFC and will be able to gain both the important game practice, as well as the support and training needed to advance to higher level games.
“Sporting Nebraska FC eagerly anticipates collaborating with Nebraska State Soccer and the NRDP to further expand the Training League. Our goal with this partnership is to provide New Referees with more opportunities to gain valuable field experience by establishing a safe training environment. Simultaneously, we will strive to ensure their continued retention.” said Renee Wanderscheid of Sporting Nebraska.
SNFC hosts In-House League Games on Friday evenings, 5:45 & 7:00pm in Omaha. Games will take place during their 7 week program in Fall & Spring for U9/U10’s – April and May for the Spring season and September and October in the Fall. Training League referees interested in working SNFC games should email Renee at Reneew@sportingnebraskafc.com to be assigned to games.