Beatrice youth soccer program adds new perspective for players with referee program

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) – On the sidelines, young athletes are stepping into a bigger role.

The Nebraska Developmental Referee Program implemented a new training league for anyone 13 years old and up to learn the ins and outs of refereeing soccer.

“They have a space where they can learn the laws of the game, learn how to deal with some difficult situations and just feel confident in refereeing soccer and be those future referees for the program, ” said Mac Henning, the president of the Beatrice Nighthawks Soccer Club.

For the youth soccer program, adding a new perspective for players was an easy decision.

Henning said this helps grow and strengthen leadership skills.

“You get a respect for what those referees have to go through,” he said. “All of the things that they’re trying to watch out for and it just helps to build that knowledge base of what to look for when you’re a parent watching your kid or when you’re a player. Understanding that, yeah, sometimes refs missed a call because three other players were in the way and that’s just part of it.”

One of the benefits of the program is giving kids a chance to earn money, all while giving other kids the chance to play the game they love.

It’s a goal that Henning said goes a long way in building the community.

“Without referees, games would not be possible,” he said. “You need them there to keep things in check, you need them there to be able to play the games. Without referees, soccer is not possible.”