New Zealand representation has been something of a tradition at the Dallas Cup tournament in U.S.A for many years.

New Zealand has featured in some way shape or form since 1984 through teams, referees and referee inspectors. John Cameron has been a regular at the Texas tournament since 1984 and OFC referee Peter O’Leary has been in attendance for the past two years.

This year, for Dallas Cup XXIX, running from 16 – 23 March 2008, New Zealand was represented by Auckland based FIFA referee Mike Hester in his fifth international trip of the year.

The Dallas Cup celebrated its 29th year of existence in 2008 with 175 US and International teams taking part across U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups. The U19 age group featured some heavyweights in the form of Liverpool (England), Benfica (Portugal), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Monterrey (Mexico) and Leicester (England) respectively. The large number of teams attending meant that some 330 plus games required three point control throughout the week. As a result, some 150 referees attended the tournament from the US and around the world.

Hester first became interested in the Dallas cup after hearing stories from previous attendees.

“I had heard that the Dallas Cup was a great tournament with the right balance of quality age group football, refereeing appointments and fun. I was therefore very keen to attend if an opportunity presented itself. Obviously, I am very grateful for New Zealand Football’s support in making it happen this year’.

As one of five FIFA referees attending the tournament, Hester was used predominantly on the Super Group U19 and U17 matches. He did, however, manage to squeeze in a U’13 .

“Over the course of the tournament, I refereed six matches – three U’19 matches, two U17 matches and a U13 match. The highlight was definitely refereeing the Super Group U’19 Semi Final match between Liverpool and Benfica in Pizza Hutt Park Stadium (where MLS side Dallas FC play).

“It featured players who are already on professional contracts, two contrasting styles and the typical feel and atmosphere of a semi final. Liverpool won 2-1 with a winner five minutes from time. The game had been very fast with some tight calls but everyone was happy with our performance and the players decided the outcome of the match – an outcome every referee wants.”

 

Hester was rewarded for his performances throughout the week with an appointment as fourth official on the Super Group U’19 final between Liverpool and Tigres from Mexico.

The match was refereed by Jair Murrufo, one of the US professional referees and also one of the 54 candidates being considered world wide for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“To work with other officials, of any level, is always great for your development. Working alongside Jair, who referees for a living, was a really good experience and one of the obvious benefits of attending these kinds of tournaments. I have made many referee friends from this tournament and will be looking to maintain these relationships in the future.”