Canada Soccer brings together 26 young women referees for national development weekend in Toronto

Canada Soccer brought together 26 young women referees from eight provinces for the Women Referees Prospects Weekend, held October 16–18 in Toronto. Supported by the FIFA Women’s Development Programme Capacity Building Grant, the initiative gave emerging referees opportunities to develop their skills, learn from experienced officials, and connect with women pursuing similar goals across the country.

Most participants were officiating at the district and regional levels, representing an important stage in their refereeing journeys. The weekend created a dedicated all-women learning environment where participants could ask questions, exchange experiences, and learn alongside peers navigating similar challenges and opportunities in the game.

Participant feedback highlighted the value of having a space where women could share their experiences openly, feel supported and learn from others who understood their perspectives.

“I feel very supported in the room. It’s comfortable to share your experiences, both good and bad, without being judged, and to know that other people have had similar experiences"
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​- Program participant

The quality, commitment and potential within the group stood out throughout the weekend. Bringing together emerging referees from different provinces also allowed participants to broaden their networks, learn from one another and build relationships that can extend beyond the event.

Michelle Pye, Canada Soccer’s Manager of Women Referee Development, led the weekend’s learning alongside experienced referee educators Carol-Ann Chenard and Laurence Rodier. Through classroom sessions and practical on-field training, participants worked on key areas of refereeing, including communication, decision-making, game management and physical preparation. The combination of discussion, instruction and practical application allowed participants to reflect on their development, learn from experienced officials and apply their knowledge in a supportive environment.

On Saturday, elite Canadian women referees Shukwia Tajik and Gabrielle Lemieux joined participants to share their experiences and perspectives from their refereeing journeys. Their insights offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn from officials who have progressed to the highest levels of the game and to hear firsthand about the experiences, challenges and opportunities that can shape a referee’s development.

“Canada Soccer’s FIFA female referees have built an incredible legacy for women in refereeing, paving the way and demonstrating what is possible for the next generation. While we are proud of how far we have come, we also recognize that gaps remain in our current pathway, particularly in providing consistent opportunities for young women to learn, connect, and continue to develop. Events like this highlight the importance of creating regular opportunities for education, mentorship, and meaningful connections to build on this legacy and ensure the next generation of women has the support and tools they need to succeed.” ​ ​
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​- Michelle Pye, Manager of Women Referee Development, Canada Soccer

On Sunday, participants attended a Northern Super League (NSL) match, where Tajik and Lemieux served as assistant referees as part of an all-women officiating crew. Seeing them in action connected the weekend’s learning with a firsthand look at women officiating in the professional game and the opportunities that may lie ahead for emerging officials.

The weekend reflects Canada Soccer’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the women’s refereeing pathway and creating more opportunities for emerging officials to learn, connect and progress. By bringing together the next generation of women referees in a dedicated learning environment, the initiative builds on the legacy of those who have paved the way and helps create a stronger foundation for those who follow.