Interview Summary – Mike Verdi (Club President & Coach)

Biggest Challenges for Youth Soccer Clubs

• Keeping players in local clubs instead of losing them early to academies.

• Maintaining enough players to form stable teams.

• The trend of kids skipping town programs and going straight to academy teams is growing. arents, Players, Coaches, and Refs

• Decisions are made with the child’s best interest first. W

• Coaches get support, resources, practice schedules, and club guidance.

• Parents are taught expectations and club rules each season.

• Mike communicates with referees before games to clarify rules and avoid confusion.

The Gray Areas in Refereeing

• Certain rules differ between leagues and age groups (build-out line, 7v7 vs 9v9, keeper possession).

• Many issues can be solved with a short conversation before kickoff.

Handling Conflict

• He rarely sees player–ref problems at younger ages.

• Parent and sideline issues usually get addressed after the game with coaches or clubs.

• In serious cases, parents may be suspended, but it’s rare.

• The goal is preventing a reputation for being a problematic club.

Most Rewarding Part of Coaching

• Seeing players develop and grow in confidence.

• Teaching modern, possession-based soccer instead of “kick and run.”

• Seeing players improve over the years and learn teamwork, winning, and losing.

Approach to Referee Abuse

• The club reviews incidents, videos, and referee reports.

• Clubs don’t fight league decisions—refs’ reports usually stand.

• Conversations happen with involved parents or coaches to stop repeated behavior.

What He Wants Youth Refs to Know

• Most parents and coaches are good—don’t quit because of a few bad ones.

• Reffing helps you earn money, gain experience, and understand the game better.

• Coaches appreciate referees and want them to stay in the game.

• A quick pre-game conversation can improve communication and make games smoother.