"While at a national USSF soccer tournament,  I was as usual, talking to as many of the referees before the first day of play to put them at ease and to learn as much about them as I could to give me a feel for their backgrounds and experience.  One young man I talked to had just moved to Florida from Virginia.  We talked at length and I was surprised at his knowledge and later by assessing his skill on the field.  I asked him about his referee training and he said he attended as many clinics as possible and that he had attended the Pride Academy in Virginia.  Immediately I could tell that this young man not only had an abundance of soccer refereeing savvy but he also possessed other attributes that are essential for establishing a solid foundation on which to build a reputable refereeing career.  He was polite, respectful, attentive, inquiring and his appearance was immaculate.  It is obvious that the Pride Academy provides the necessary instruction and guidance to its attendees to give them the keys to their future and advancement to a successful soccer career.  This young man is well on his way to attaining his goals.  My hat is off to the Pride Academy."

Freddie Usher, Retired National Referee, Instructor, and Assessor, MLS Assessor Mentor

"The University of Richmond men's soccer camp has partnered with the Academy for five years. In that time we have seen tremendous benefits from our mutual relationship. Our games have provided a training ground for the practical aspects of their educational program. Both groups interacting throughout the week has continually raised the awareness of the role and importance of the referee in a "Good" game, and the interactions throughout the week with our campers, counselors, and coaches with the Academy candidates has furthered the understanding and goodwill of both groups for each other"

Jeff Gettler, Mens Soccer Coach - University of Richmond

"Players have been attending soccer camps over the past decade to refine their skills and develop their understanding of the game. The Pride Academy offers the same type of experience for referees. The Academy focuses on letting the referees learn from both the instructors and each other. An emphasis is placed on the mental and physical preparation that the game requires. The skills, teamwork and approach used at the Academy will not only benefit the participants as referees, but in life as well."

Mark Turner, National Referee

"I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to share my experiences, knowledge and techniques used at the professional and international levels with our up-and-coming referees. The Pride Academy provides a structured environment that fosters a concentrated and accelerated growth and development environment for our next generation of National and International referees. No one in the referee world achieves very much on their own - we all need each other in order to succeed at any level. With that in mind, I am thrilled to be able to provide for these students of the game what was once provided for me as I came up through the system."

Steve Taylor, National Referee

"As a two year participant of the academy, I was very much surprised by the challenges that were put before me. It was when I had these challenges placed before me that I was able to step up and realize what I was really capable of. The instructors, the other participants, and the overall atmosphere of the camp all helped to foster my desire to succeed. The people I have met and the friendships I've formed while at the Pride Academy are ones that I will continue to enjoy for years to come. As far as refereeing goes, the pride academy was the catalyst that has propelled me to where I am now."

Will Knause, Academy Graduate and State Referee

"I can think of no better way to give back to the game than to work directly with young referees in a camp environment, such as the Pride Academy. I am very pleased that, at the Pride Academy, the campers are encouraged to work outside their comfort zone, and to anticipate and resolve independently any issues that may arise during a match. As these young referees learn to become more confident during stressful situations, they will be able to more effectively manage matches at higher and higher levels."

Andrew Chapin, National Referee

"…the positive effects that the Academy has on these young people and the synergistic effect it has on all our young referees. Seventy five percent of the refs I work with are young people. These young refs, especially the 13-15 year olds, look up to the Academy "grads" and often ask to be assigned to work with them and try to emulate them. The kids who come back from the Academy come back with an increased confidence and professionalism and even an increased sense of worth at a time in their lives when they often need it most."

Barry L. Sherry, Prince William Soccer Referee Association

"The work that you and your team have done to make the Academy a premier venue for the young referees in the state is nothing short of super outstanding!"

Paul Rapalski, USSF National Assessor, Former State Director of Assessment

"…my son Nolan Costigan benefited tremendously from the camp last year (2005) and he is very willing and hopeful to attend the camp again this year. We as a family and I in particular as a referee for almost 25 years and instructor for the last four to do whatever is required to provide Nolan and other deserving referees in the State of Virginia and District of Columbia with the opportunity to attend the camp this year and into the future."

Tom Costigan, Parent

"I attended the Academy in the summer of 2002, and this week provided me an opportunity to enhance my skills and foster a desire to grow and learn everything I could about refereeing. Furthermore, the Academy instilled in me the skills I am currently using no matter what level I am working, from U6 all the way to the U16 Region I semi-final and adult league games I did this past summer. Refereeing is unique as it gives young adults the opportunity to show leadership, demonstrate responsibility, and provide a sense of accomplishment."

Jennifer Myhre, Academy Graduate

"Youth academies provide an excellent way to discover the young referees with the greatest potential and train them in an intimate environment."

R. Hagan Barnett, USSF State Referee and Referee Instructor

"It has been my pleasure to assess at the academy and have found the experience to have a very positive effect on those whom I have had the pleasure to assess. There are those who have attended the academy that may never have another opportunity to officiate a U16 or above match or come in contact with any peer or senior assessor/instructor outside of their home area."

Larry Edwards, USSF State Assessor

"Loudoun Soccer sponsored 7 youth referees to attend this workshop in 2005 with exceptional results. Two to the Loudoun Soccer Candidates were nominated by the Academy for Young Referee of the Year with one winning this honor. I can tell you that I am a full believer in the results that this academy provides. The unique opportunity to mentor these rising referees in a controlled environment with "crusty" veterans is well worth the effort. I have heard nothing but praise from the young referees that attended. Well, they did complain about the long hours..."

John Wyckoff, Referee Director Loudoun Soccer

"I was recently placed on point by Loudoun Soccer to identify and help select the candidates for this year's Academy. As you know, Loudoun sent 7…last year, including Brad Mitchell (the Metro DC-Virginia 2005 Male Youth Referee of the Year). This (Academy)has become such a popular idea here in Loudoun that I would have had no trouble in finding 20 qualified candidates age 15-21 for this year's class. The question most often asked by refs and their parents was not "Should We do this?" but rather "When will it be?"

Phil Sessoms, Loudoun Soccer Club

"Your camp give referees the opportunity to take the first step towards demonstrating self interest in their own development."

Paul G. Best, USSF National Referee Emeritus

"…my son Ryan who attended the Academy twice and is now at the Coast Guard Academy. Ryan is a very successful graduate of the program. He refereed at the USASA Coed Championships twice, centering adult open matches and passing assessments for upgrade as a 16 year old."

Kevin Newmeyer, Parent