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Have you ever wondered how the best soccer referees reach the pinnacle of their profession? For national referee Bowen Taylor, the answer lies in stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling to officiate matches across the country.

At just 25 years old, Bowen has already achieved what many referees dream of – earning his national badge and working professional matches in leagues like USL Championship and MLS Next Pro. His secret weapon? Using travel as a catalyst for growth. When you officiate unfamiliar teams on unfamiliar fields with unfamiliar colleagues, you develop adaptability and confidence that transforms your refereeing forever.

In this revealing conversation, Bowen shares how he made the bold decision as a college-aged player to pursue refereeing full-time, recognizing that his potential in officiating far exceeded his prospects as a D2 backup. That decision led him to tournaments across the country, where he strategically sought feedback from national referee coaches and built a support network of colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the profession.

Now, Bowen is making these same opportunities accessible to all referees through Travel Ref, a free platform connecting officials with tournaments nationwide. From prestigious youth competitions to local events in beautiful destinations, the service helps referees find matches that match their qualifications while handling all the logistical complications that previously made tournament travel mysterious and difficult.

Whether you're an ambitious referee looking to advance through the ranks or simply seeking to combine your passion for officiating with seeing new parts of the country, this episode offers practical advice on making referee travel work for you. Bowen's tips on maintaining professionalism, preparing for different environmental conditions, and maximizing feedback opportunities provide a roadmap for successful referee adventures.

Create your free profile at travelref.com and discover how stepping onto new fields might be the key to unlocking your potential as a referee. Your next whistle could be in Miami, Colorado, South Dakota, or beyond – where will your referee journey take you?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify