Meet Our Referee Development Program Staff

Heartland Soccer is proud of the staff managing the Referee Development Program. Each of the staff members have game-experience as a Referee and as an Assistant Referee. They have worked across multiple levels of competition (Recreational, Premier, State Cup, Adults, Regionals, Nationals, and for some Professional). Their knowledge base accelerates the development of the Referees who work the Heartland matches.

Huw Savage – Referee Assignor

Huw has an extensive background in soccer both personally and professionally. Born in Wales, he played collegiate soccer at the Institute of Sport, Wales before coming to the USA to coach youth soccer in 1995. Huw worked for 16 years with GSI Sports hosting 15 events which included Showcase KC, The Elite 120 College Showcase, Sporting Club 3v3 Classic and many more.

“I’m excited about my new role as Referee Director and Assignor with Heartland,” stated Huw Savage.  “I’ve worked with Gordon and Jeff for many years and both have done an incredible job working and scheduling referees for all the great tournaments and leagues held in Kansas City! I hope I can continue with the legacy and provide a wonderful experience for the thousands of players who attend the games!”

Sean Overton – Mentor Assignor
Email: [email protected]

After spending many years as a Soccer parent and a soccer coach Sean, wanting to remain engaged with the game, became certified as a Referee in 2015. Because he is an adult and worked hard to be the best he could be, he was given the opportunity to be in the Center in several Tournament finals early in his career. Sean understood the challenge of this kind of assignment and recognized that his success was assisted by those people who helped mentor him. Because of this, he stepped forward when the opportunity to assist the Referee family was presented.

Rich Kaminsky – Director of Referee Mentoring Programs

Email: [email protected]

Rich has been involved in Referee programs in Kansas since 1985. Rich first certified as a USSF Referee in 1990. In addition to being a Referee, he is a certified State Instructor, State Assessor, and Assignor. Rich is a member of the Kansas State Referee Committee and has been a part of this organization since its inception.

Rich manages the Referee Coaching/Mentoring programs as directed by the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association in cooperation with the Heartland Soccer Association Executive Director, the Referee Assignor and the Assignors On Site to support the Directors in the delivery of their missions and responsibilities, and to ensure that investments and goals are properly managed.