In this episode of The Ref Collective, we sit down with David Gerson, founder of Refs Need Love Too, to discuss his journey from soccer enthusiast to referee advocate and community builder.

David shares how he got started in officiating, the challenges that nearly made him walk away, and the experiences that kept him coming back to the game. We dive into the story behind Refs Need Love Too, the mission that inspired it, and how a simple idea grew into a movement dedicated to supporting referees everywhere.

Whether you're a referee, coach, player, parent, or soccer fan, this conversation offers valuable insights into the people who make the game possible every weekend.

Advocate • Educate • Unite

Visit us: therefcollective.com

Follow The Ref Collective for more conversations, stories, and resources dedicated to supporting referees at every level of the game.

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Ref Collective Podcast.

In this inaugural episode, hosts Christian Trujillo and Mike share their personal journeys through the game of soccer—from players and coaches to parents and referees—and the experiences that ultimately led them to create The Ref Collective.

We discuss:

⚽ Our backgrounds in soccer

⚽ How we became referees

⚽ The challenges and rewards of officiating

⚽ What we've learned from seeing the game from multiple perspectives

⚽ Why the referee community needs a stronger voice

⚽ The vision behind The Ref Collective

The Ref Collective was created to bring together referees, coaches, players, parents, assignors, administrators, and everyone who cares about the game. Our goal is to create meaningful conversations, share real experiences, and help build a stronger soccer community through education, advocacy, and connection.

Whether you're a new referee, a veteran official, a coach, a parent, or simply passionate about the game, this podcast is for you.

🌐 Learn more: therefcollective.com

📲 Follow The Ref Collective on social media for upcoming episodes, referee resources, and community discussions.

#SoccerReferee #RefereeLife #SoccerPodcast #TheRefCollective #USSoccer #GrassrootsReferee #SoccerOfficials #RefTalk #SoccerCommunity #RefereeDevelopment

Learn about The Ref Collective and our mission to ADVOCATE for referees, EDUCATE everyone, and UNITE the soccer family. Welcome to the very first episode of The Ref Collective, a podcast dedicated to soccer referees at every level. From amateur to professional, recreational to state leagues, we are here to bridge the gap between certification and real match readiness.In this introduction, we share the vision behind The Ref Collective: creating a space where referees can learn from real stories, gain practical insights, and feel supported in their development. Whether you are a new referee navigating your first season, a parent curious about the officiating world, a coach building rapport with your crew, or an experienced official looking to sharpen your skills, this podcast is for you.More details at:https://therefcollective.com