KidSport Calgary & Area and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank are teaming up with the Calgary Minor Soccer Association to launch a program aimed at giving further access to sport for the thousands of low-income kids KidSport supports in our community each year.

Project REF will give qualified (low-income) kids with access to additional funding to pursue their certification as a referee in their sport. That funding along with support to any necessary equipment through the Calgary Flames Sports Bank will open the door for KidSport kids to gain their certification, access additional knowledge in their sport of choice, and have income-earning potential through the start of a very flexible part-time job that being a referee can provide.

“CMSA is eager to work alongside KidSport to launch Project Ref in support of youth who may have been presented with barriers to start this journey previously. Referees are an integral part of a meaningful soccer experience, and CMSA wants to make sure that everyone has a fair and equitable path to their desired level of referee certification.” – Carlo Bruneau, Executive Director CMSA.

"I see no reason why we wouldn't continue this and only grow it from here …. Not only the certification side, but maybe the leadership side that these kids need to stay in as an official and gain those additional skills that as a player you wouldn't focus on that - maybe we can help them with to even strengthen their role as an official in our community."– Jordan Stewart, Technical Director CMSA.

Please note this program is being offered by KidSport Calgary & Area so eligible families must reside in our chapter boundaries.  Please contact kidsport@kidsportcalgary.ca if you have questions if you would be eligible based on where you live.

To apply for Project Ref, follow the outlined six-step procedure below. For easy navigation, simply click on your current step to access the required links.