Calgary District Soccer Referees Association Honours Pearl Doupe with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) is pleased to announce that Pearl Doupe, the former Executive Director of the Calgary United Soccer Association (CUSA), has been honored with the CDSRA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to an individual in recognition of sustained excellence, leadership, and contributions to the refereeing community.
The award was presented by Guy-Napert Frenette on behalf of the CDSRA Board of Directors during a surprise ceremony at Pearl's retirement celebration hosted by CUSA on June 1, 2024.
In a career marked by dedication and transformative leadership, Pearl not only solidified CUSA's standing as a cornerstone of the city's soccer community but also fostered growth and innovation within the organization. Under her leadership, CUSA flourished, expanding from two programs to eight—a testament to her vision and passion for the sport in Calgary. She has also been instrumental in elevating the profile of the Calgary soccer community over many years, as evidenced by the recent successful hosting of the Canada Soccer Futsal Championship for two consecutive years.
Pearl consistently ensured that CUSA was a strong supporter of referee development. Her provision of sponsorship, field times, and public support for the CDSRA has significantly enhanced referee development in the city and bridged the gap between the leagues and the referees. She was always an advocate for referees and continually sought ways to support referee development initiatives.
Mazen Hassanin, President of the CDSRA, expressed his gratitude for Pearl's contributions, saying: "Working with Pearl over the past several years has been an absolute privilege. She is a selfless leader whose unwavering support for referees and dedication to fostering a collaborative environment have profoundly benefited our community. Pearl doesn't put up barriers; she always asks how we can get something done. Her visionary leadership and commitment have been instrumental in advancing referee development in Calgary. She is not just a colleague but also a friend, and as far as the CDSRA is concerned, a permanent member of our referee family. We are honoured to recognize her exceptional contributions with this Lifetime Achievement Award."
Steve Papp, Vice-President of the CDSRA, also shared his appreciation: "Pearl's impact on the soccer community extends far beyond her role at CUSA. Her genuine support for referees and her proactive approach to creating opportunities for their development have been invaluable and anyone in leadership positions in soccer should look no further than Pearl as an example and inspiration. On a personal level, Pearl's kindness, dedication, and willingness to listen have made a lasting impression on me and many others. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement."
The CDSRA Board of Directors, alongside the entire refereeing community, extends a heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Pearl Doupe on this well-deserved honor and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.