The North Haven Soccer Club (NHSC) recently launched the series “Get To Know Your Referee” which is all about introducing the community to the referees on the pitch and sidelines each weekend for the NHSC games. They are all kids from the community who dedicate their time to help the young soccer players grow their skills and love for the game.

The first spotlight was on Addie Whitcomb, a 15-year-old referee from North Haven High School. She is in 10th grade, and her favorite school subject is math. Whitcomb’s favorite soccer team is Chelsea F.C., and her favorite player is Alyssa Naeher. Whitcomb’s other sports/hobbies include basketball, track and field, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite food is Mexican food, and her favorite TV show is “Gilmore Girls.” Whitcomb’s favorite book series is “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

Whitcomb’s favorite thing about being a referee is serving as a mentor to the younger players, and a fun fact about her is that she plays for a nationally ranked soccer team. She became a referee because she wanted to get more involved with the sport.

The next referee spotlight was on Nick Gaetano, a 17-year-old referee from North Haven High School. He is in 11th grade, and his favorite school subject is physics. Gaetano’s favorite soccer team is Chelsea F.C., and his favorite players are Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Cole Palmer. Gaetano’s other sports/hobbies include building computers, and collecting records. His favorite food is sushi, and his favorite movie is “Interstellar.” Gaetano’s favorite book is “Animal Farm” by George Orwell.

Gaetano’s favorite thing about being a referee is seeing new players grow their passion for soccer, and a fun fact about him is that he is a state championship winning coach. He became a referee to grow his soccer knowledge and experiences.