Grow faster, lead stronger.
fast track program
A cohort-based program that develops new and returning referees through structured training, on-field mentorship, and game-day experience. Four tracks. Built for who you are right now.
🔴 Registration is currently closed. Fall Fast Track Registration opens in July.
by refs, for refs
WHO FAST TRACK IS FOR
Available for all 13+ certified referees
new referees
If you're brand new to refereeing, just got certified and feeling unsure about your first few matches, Fast Track is built for you. You'll have a cohort lead, a mentor on the touchline at your games, and peers going through their first season alongside you.
experienced referees
If you've been refereeing for a while and you're ready to grow, sharper decisions, harder games, real feedback, Fast Track is built for you too. The mentorship deepens. The matches get more challenging. And the community keeps you motivated through the seasons.
Not certified yet? Register in the US Soccer Learning Center
Not 13 yet? Check our Junior Program (11-12 year olds)
Choose your Path
The TRA Fast Track Program is a cohort-based opportunity for referees who want to grow faster, lead with confidence, and connect within a supportive community. You’ll gain mentorship, guided training, and real-game experience alongside your peers that help you grow with confidence, developing leadership and life skills that last long after the final whistle.
No matter where you are in your referee journey, either just starting out or building toward higher levels, there’s a path designed to meet you where you are and help you reach the next stage.
Youth Track Cohort
(13 -17 y/o) USSF certified
For new and experienced referees who want learn and grow through work in competitive league and tournament games, while developing within a structured peer community.
Adult Track Cohort
(+ 25 y/o) USSF certified
Tailored for adult referees who are new or returning to the game after a long hiatus and are seeking to grow their skills and confidence on the field alongside like-minded folks.
Elite Track Cohort
(+ 18 y/o) USSF certified
Designed for referees who have demonstrated exceptional ability, professionalism, and leadership potential. This invitation-only program offers advanced on-field coaching, specialized positioning work, and access to career pathways that lead toward college-level or professional officiating.
Not 13 yet? We offer a program for 11-12 year olds to work recreational games.
Junior Program
(11 -12 y/o)
The Junior Program is our entry-level program for new referees who are just starting their officiating journey. It’s designed to help young participants ages 11-12 build confidence and prepare for USSF certification once they turn 13.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What's it actually like?
Four things that shape every cohort, no matter which track you join.
A small cohort, going through it together
8-12 referees per cohort, organized by region and track. Every cohort has a dedicated cohort lead who runs your sessions, knows your name, and stays with you through the whole program.
Mentorship that shows up
Trained TRA mentors attend your assigned games to watch you work. After the match, you debrief with them, what you saw, what you missed, what to try next time.
A rhythm of learn-and-apply
Online curriculum sessions teach the concepts, laws of the game, mechanics, fitness, decision-making. In-person practice sessions let your cohort apply them together. Then you take it to real matches and bring it back to the next session.
A community that lasts beyond the cohort
When the program ends, you can join TRA's wider community of referees with access to higher level games, ongoing development, and the people you trained with.
What's included
Each cohort is guided by a trained Cohort Lead (Referee Advocate) who provides mentorship, support, and feedback throughout the season.
In Person & Online Sessions
Online curriculum sessions teach the concepts, laws of the game, mechanics, fitness, decision-making. In-person practice sessions let your cohort apply them together.
Ongoing Feedback
Participants receive ongoing feedback, take part in in-person post-game debriefs, and are encouraged to reflect on their performance to strengthen confidence and self-awareness.
Team work
Each Track emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and progression, helping referees earn more advanced assignments while staying connected to a supportive group of peers and mentors.
TRA Game Day Kit
With the enrollment fee, each cohort member receives a TRA Game Day Kit, which includes:
Referee coin
Whistle
Basic watch
Gear bag
Official TRA referee kit (Jersey, shorts, socks, cards, booklet, and flags)
Commitment
Mantain Certification
Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).
Participate
Participate regularly in cohort activities.
Officiate
Work at least 10 games within our network during the season.
A PATHWAY THAT GROWS WITH YOU
From your first whistle
TRA is built so referees never have to figure out "what's next" alone. Here's how the pathway flows.
Many of our Junior Graduates turn 13 and move straight into a Fast Track Youth Cohort. The mentorship continues. The community continues. The development keeps building. TRA is one connected pathway, from a kid's first match to an experienced official mentoring the next generation.
Meet the fast track crew
Our Fast Track team brings together experienced referees who support each cohort throughout the season. With ongoing feedback, dedicated mentors, and goal setting, they create an environment where referees feel supported as they learn and grow.
Daneen Goncalves
Chief Visionary Officer
Dash Gowland
Mentor Coordinator
Keaton Koehler
Referee Trainer
Mark Borowiak
Referee Trainer
We Currently Serve in the Following Areas
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be certified to join Fast Track?
Yes — Fast Track is for referees 13 and up who have already completed USSF certification. If you're brand new to refereeing, get certified first, and then come back to us. If you're 11-12, our Junior Track → is built for you.
Q: WHERE do WE OPERATE?
Fast Track cohorts run in partnership with clubs across Minnesota. Cohorts are organized by region, so you train and work games close to home.
West (Plymouth / Maple Grove / Wayzata)
Northwest (Albertville / Buffalo / Delano / St. Michael)
South (Lakeville / Farmington / Apple Valley)
Southwest (Chaska / Chanhassen / Victoria / Watertown)
q: I just got certified. Is Fast Track too advanced for me?
Not at all. Fast Track is specifically designed to support brand new referees in their first season. You'll have a mentor on the touchline at your games and a cohort going through it with you!
q: how can i get the uniform?
For new referees, the uniform is included in the enrollment fee. During registration, referees will select their size (jersey and shorts will be provided in the same size) and provide a shipping address for delivery.
The gear bag will be distributed at the program kickoff event.
q: My kid is in Junior Track and turning 13. What's next?
Junior Track graduates often move straight into a Fast Track Youth Cohort. The mentorship continues. The community grows with them. Reach out to us as their birthday approaches and we'll help with the transition!
q: What does it cost?
Program fees vary by track. Reach out to us to talk about current pricing for each track.
q: Will I get paid for games?
YES! Once you're certified and assigned through TRA, you're paid at standard youth soccer rates for every match you work, including the games during your cohort.
Q: WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT?
Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).
Pay the enrollment fee.
Participate in cohort sessions and assignments regularly.
Work at least 10 games within our network during the season.
Find the track that's right for you
2150 3rd Street
Suite 16
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Thu: 9AM to 4PM
Friday: 9AM to 3PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
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