Three CDSRA Members Honoured at CUSA Annual General Meeting
The Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) proudly congratulates three of its distinguished members—Ann Blackwood, Steve Papp, and Bevon Phang—who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the refereeing community at the Calgary United Soccer Association (CUSA) Annual General Meeting on June 11, 2025.
Steve Papp, Ann Blackwood, & Bevon Phang along with CDSRA board members.
Ann Blackwood received the prestigious Kieran McGarrigle Award, presented to individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the advancement of refereeing. A trailblazer in women’s officiating at the local, national, and international levels, Ann has served the referee community for decades. She is a CDSRA Honourary Lifetime Member, a former FIFA Assistant Referee, and one of the few to have attained National Referee status prior to the separation of men’s and women’s programs. In 2012, she was awarded the Alberta Soccer Golden Whistle and was a certified Instructor and Assessor. Ann also previously served on the CDSRA Board of Directors, further cementing her legacy of leadership.
Steve Papp and Bevon Phang were each awarded the CUSA Award of Merit, recognizing their ongoing dedication to referee development.
Steve, a former CDSRA Vice President and current member of the Alberta Soccer Referee Development Team, has led numerous instructor initiatives and mentored referees across the province.
Bevon has served as a District Referee Assistant for CUSA and is a passionate contributor to local referee development through his role on the Referee Management Operations Committee (RMOC), as well as through instruction and mentorship.
Several CDSRA Board members—including President Mazen Hassanin, Secretary Austin Abiiba, and Elected Directors Phillip Schrod and Martin Kuczaj—were in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments.
“These three referees represent the very best of our officiating community,” said Laurie Darvill, CDSRA Vice President. “Their leadership, dedication, and service continue to shape and inspire the next generation of officials in Calgary and beyond.”
The CDSRA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ann, Steve, and Bevon on this well-deserved recognition.