The Ontario Soccer Association's Manager of Match Officials Development, Nicky Pearson, headed to CFB Borden on the weekend of September 12-13 to attend the 2015 Women's Military National Championships on the invitation of Graham White, Chief Official of the event and the Sports Coordinator for the Department of Natural Defence. Pearson was joined by Referee Assessors, Tony Camacho and Peter Kalpouzo, who were assigned by Canada Soccer.

The three-day championship was defined by several items: Match Officials for the Championships have to be active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, while players must be military members. The players and match officials alike had great respect for one another throughout the tournament, and it was highlighted by a lack of dissent during any matches, with only two yellow cards given over the course of 15 matches.

In the final day of the three day tournament, CFB Esquimalt, representing the Pacific region, was crowned champions after winning in penalties against Ottawa, who represented Quebec. The two teams held strong through regulation and extra time as the game remained 0-0 when they went into penalties.  This is the first time Pacific had won the National Championship title.

Through the event, the OSA has formulated a partnership plan to work to accredit, train, and further educate Military match officials and assessors, and also bring in the new TAG Coaching and Mentoring program.

The OSA Match Officials Development Department is looking forward to working together with our Canadian Armed Forces in the upcoming years.

Click here for more information on the OSA's Match Official programs.