Mario Matos - BACK JUDGE

I’m the youngest official in Mexico,  I’ve been reading rule books since I was about 9 years old, all this because I was playing football and sometimes I saw some coaches discussing with the referee, so I said is it difficult to be official? And in fact yes is difficult but when you love the game and officiate it’s not.

I consider myself as first good person, citizen, son and student, as one day William LeMonnier  told me  “You need to be first good person outside the field and then inside”.

Be official is exciting, you must forget everything before entering to the field and try to do your best on it, the most important thing are the players.

I also had the opportunity to work with Mr. Bill at Austin this February, an unforgettable experience, so experienced officials I really appreciate this chance to work with them, I learned a lot and I have been trying to share this knowledge with other officials.

Let me be part of this game is a great surprise, I think the “kili.bowl” is a real good opportunity to improve football, go there and not only play, also give some courses and help people there is something that I will never forget, be part of this game that will make history is something that makes me be grateful with Mr. Bill, my parents, Francisco “Vikingo” Reyes and of course with Global football for this confidence they give to me,  also learn from other experienced officials is an opportunity to grow not only as official also as person.

The most memorable game was at Austin this February, I have never been at a temperature so cold, be with the best players u-19 around the world and from the USA, a great game. Work on-field with Bill LeMonnier, Steve LaMantia, Tim Murphy, Einar Bolstad, Bill Corcoran, Gary Booth, Don Meyer and Tibby Carroll is something that I will never forget. A quiet game but full of learning.