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League1 Alberta match officials discuss why they continue to referee in soccer, and what they would like to see change in sports officiating.

While the focus during the 2025 season was on the players and clubs, and their results on the field, the League1 Alberta match officials were also developing their game, hitting milestones, and moving up the performance pathway.

Read from 2025 match officials Adam Benani, Daniel Billiat, Michelle Holmes, Harsimrit Lakhyan, Amaya Myhovich, and Xerxes Ng as they discuss their motivations in the game, wishes in the wider world of sports officiating, and why now is a great time to become a referee.

Biggest motivation

Daniel Billiat: Refereeing pushes me to be disciplined, confident, and composed under pressure, and I enjoy seeing my growth season after season. I’m motivated by the chance to contribute to the game by creating a fair and respectful environment where players can perform at their best.

Harsimrit Lakhyan: The community of referees. There are so many great people from such different backgrounds.

Xerxes Ng: Giving back to the sport that I have loved my whole life, as well as the fulfilling feeling of being a part of some big competitions and building connections and camaraderie within the refereeing community.

Amaya Myhovich: Soccer has always been a huge part of my life, and officiating allows me to stay connected to the sport in a meaningful way while constantly pushing myself to improve. I’m also driven by the chance to be a role model, especially as a woman of colour from a small town, showing others that they can succeed in refereeing even if the path doesn’t seem obvious at first.

Adam Benani: I find the challenge to be motivating. It’s an incredibly difficult job, and even the greatest in the world will make mistakes. Challenging yourself to get better and grow is really rewarding.

Changes in global sport

Amaya Myhovich: Greater investment in mentorship, training, and opportunities for underrepresented officials can inspire the next generation and show that refereeing is a path open to everyone. Beyond that, global sport can continue to emphasize the physical and mental well-being of referees – supporting officials in taking care of their bodies and minds not only improves performance but also extends careers, ensuring that the game benefits from experienced referees for years to come.

Xerxes Ng: Having more stories covering the game from the side of the referees. I love watching documentaries online about officials and their point of view during games, such as their angle of sight and how they communicate with the players. That is something I would love to see more and it’s good to see that it’s being implemented more around the world.

Daniel Billiat: Referees are essential to the game, yet too often they face abuse that discourages new officials from joining or continuing. Campaigns that promote respect, education for players and coaches on working with referees, and stronger support systems would not only protect officials but also improve the overall quality and spirit of the sport.

Now is the time to become a match official

Amaya Myhovich: There has never been a better time to get involved in match officiating. The game is growing faster than ever, especially on the women’s side, and referees have the chance to be at the heart of that growth. Officiating isn’t just about managing matches; it’s about leadership, resilience, and being part of a global community that is breaking barriers and opening doors. Stepping into officiating today means becoming part of a movement that is shaping the future of soccer, and that’s an incredibly exciting place to be.

Adam Benani: The growth of soccer in this country is accelerating more than ever. You get to be a part of big games in a unique position, with the best view in the house.

Harsimrit Lakhyan: There are so many opportunities and Canadian soccer is only going to get bigger.

Xerxes Ng: It is a good time for someone to get involved in officiating because, with the trend of soccer development in Canada, there is a need for officials. It provides more opportunity for everyone to see the game in a different way and perhaps a different pathway to the top level.

Daniel Billiat: The game is growing and there’s a real need for new referees at every level. Beyond helping the sport, officiating gives me valuable life skills like confidence, leadership, and decision-making under pressure. With the training and support available today, there are more opportunities than ever to develop and progress, whether someone wants to stay local or aim for higher levels.