The soccer competition, which ran from August 8–17, brought together the country’s top youth athletes—and Ontario’s Match Officials were right there in the heart of the action, ensuring fair play and professionalism on the pitch.
Appointed to officiate at one of Canada’s most prestigious multi-sport events, Ontario’s Match Officials embraced the opportunity to grow, connect, and perform on a national stage. The tournament offered a unique blend of high-level competition, collaborative learning, and cultural exchange, with officials from across the country working together in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
A National Stage for Growth
For many officials, the Canada Summer Games marked a milestone in their officiating journey. With daily matches, technical debriefs, and classroom sessions, the tournament provided a rich learning environment that challenged officials to elevate their performance.
Ontario Match Official Mariusz Buczkowski, described the experience as an honour and a turning point in his development. “Representing Ontario not only means doing well and performing on the field,” he said, “but also how we carry ourselves and treat everyone off the field.”
Angelina Baldino, who officiated during the women’s soccer portion of the Games, echoed the sentiment. “Canada Summer Games has always been a bucket list tournament for me,” she said. “The atmosphere with the athletes, volunteers, and other officials is always full of excitement and energy.”
Both officials highlighted the importance of adapting to the pace and intensity of the tournament. Buczkowski recalled officiating a match at King George V Stadium in front of thousands of spectators, noting that “every call was scrutinized—it felt incredibly professional and exciting.” Baldino added that the tight schedule required officials to “reset mentally and physically for the next assignment,” a skill that proved essential throughout the week.
Tristan Forgie another Ontario Match Official appointed to the Canada Summer Games explained that preparation was key to success at this level, sharing that “getting physically ready, ensuring you’re mentally focused, and doing your homework on the teams you’re officiating” helped him feel confident heading into each match.
Teamwork and Camaraderie
The extended format of the Canada Summer Games fostered a strong sense of community among officials. With time between matches for training, education, and exploration, officials built lasting connections while sharing meals, visiting historic sites, and supporting one another through the highs and lows of tournament life.
“Throughout the tournament, we were fortunate enough to have lots of downtime,” Baldino shared. “We explored the host city and did things together as a team—like visiting Signal Hill and Cape Spear. It truly fostered a collaborative and tight-knit group environment.”
The women’s competition was officiated exclusively by female referees, creating a rare and empowering experience for Baldino and her colleagues. “It fostered a supportive environment where we could share perspectives and showcase the high level of skill and professionalism that female officials bring to the game.”
Alex Blower, a female Match Official from Ontario reflected on the impact of visibility and representation, noting that “some teams had never had a female match official, let alone a whole crew—getting to show them another path in soccer was a great opportunity.”
Ontario Soccer’s Development Pathway
Ontario Soccer’s commitment to developing high-performance Match Officials was evident in the calibre of appointments at the Games. Through ongoing education, mentorship, and performance evaluations, officials were well-prepared to meet the demands of a national tournament. The support provided throughout the season helped refine their skills, build confidence, and ensure readiness for high-level competition.
Buczkowski credited Ontario Soccer’s mentorship and technical support for helping him refine his skills and prepare for the national stage. “The support I received—from assessments to tactical insights—helped me fix habits and improve efficiency,” he said.
Baldino also acknowledged the role Ontario Soccer played in her journey, noting that previous experiences at the Ontario Summer Games helped her anticipate the pace and expectations of a national tournament. “Ontario Soccer has played an important role in my development not only leading up to the Games, but throughout my entire career,” she said.
Forgie shared that Ontario Soccer’s support through assessments and education sessions helped him progress toward becoming a Provincial Referee. Blower added that officiating in competitive Ontario Soccer-managed leagues and events—such as the Ontario Cup, OPDL, and GMCS—helped prepare her for the national stage.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Canada Summer Games served as a powerful reminder of the critical role Match Officials play in the success of competitive soccer. Ontario’s representatives demonstrated not only technical excellence but also leadership, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the game.
As Ontario Soccer continues to invest in its officiating program, these experiences will inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, on and off the pitch.
Congratulations to all appointed Match Officials for representing Ontario Soccer with professionalism, pride and passion.