Vancouver BC, December 5, 2017 - BC Soccer is pleased to announce the appointment of two BC Soccer referees to the FIFA International Referee List!  Erina Cho and Chris Wattam have been appointed as Assistant Referees to the 2018 list, while long-time BC Soccer referee Michelle Pye retires from the list.

Newly appointed Assistant Referees for 2018, Chris Wattam (Vancouver, BC) and Erina Cho (Coquitlam, BC) have been incredibly successful at all levels of refereeing in British Columbia, including officiating in BCSPL, Youth and Adult Provincial Championships, Canada Soccer Club Nationals and college/university environments. Additionally, as a part of BC Soccer’s referee development program, both participated at the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup, an annual tournament that invites elite teams from all over the world. Further to this international stage, Chris has also officiated in the Major Soccer League, including the Canadian Amway Championships and Erina has been successful refereeing at the CONCACAF U15 Championships. Beyond their individual achievements, as Erina and Chris have moved along the referee development pathway they have also been invaluable mentors and role models to referees who are looking to follow in their footsteps.

“Promotion to the FIFA International Referee List is an honour bestowed on Canada Soccer’s top match officials that have demonstrated the highest level of professional integrity and performance,” said Peter Montopoli, Canada Soccer General Secretary. “Congratulations to these 17 men and women who have all showcased themselves to be deserving of their place among the top echelon of match officials globally.” 

“Chris and Erina have worked incredibly hard on and off the field to become the best possible referees they can and I want to congratulate them on the appointment to the FIFA International Referee List,” said Jose Branco, BC Soccer Referee Development Coordinator. “I also want to congratulate Michelle Pye on an extraordinary career as not only a referee but also as a mentor to so many young up and coming referees in BC.”

Michelle Pye was first appointed to the FIFA List in 2007 and refereed at multiple FIFA World Cup Competitions. She is one of British Columbia and Canada’s all-time great referees. Please check back as BC Soccer will be doing a comprehensive release on Michelle Pye and the positive impact she has had on the referee community within BC.

About BC Soccer

BC Soccer is the provincial sport governing body with the mission to govern, promote and develop the game of soccer in British Columbia in a professional and progressive manner. Established in 1907, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sport organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants.  As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues and districts.  

BC Soccer is comprised of more than 120,000 registered players, over 2,200 registered referees, and thousands of volunteer coaches, administrators and soccer leaders. Working with its 40 member Youth Districts and 11 Adult Leagues as well as their affiliate member clubs, BC Soccer operates under the guiding principles of Professional Leadership, Passionate Service and Progressive Collaboration. In managing its relationships throughout the larger soccer community, BC Soccer’s vision is to ensure every British Columbian has the opportunity to be involved in soccer as part of a lifelong commitment to active, health and involved lifestyle

www.bcsoccer.net