Doug Engstrom (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Doug Engstrom is a former Marine and a retired teacher in the Virginia public schools. Doug started in soccer coaching his son and earned his USSF Soccer “C’ License.

Doug began refereeing at the age of 41 taking his first assignments with Prince William Soccer. As a former US Marine, he was indeed fit and able to keep up with the players in their matches. He then requested assignments with NCSL and WAGS and his career as a referee was now on a fast pace despite his late start. Doug persevered, taking assignments from Richmond to Baltimore and beyond.

Doug officiated Youth games for 22 years, 1988-2010, officiated Amateur games for 11 years, 2000-2010; officiated Collegiate games for 11 years 2000-2010, and officiated Professional games for six years 2005-2010. In the year 2000 at the age of 53 Doug became a USSF National Referee and remained at that grade for four years before stepping back to a USSF Regional Referee and remained at that grade for two years.

Doug became a National Emeritus Referee in 2006 and retired from refereeing in 2010. The Emeritus Status is an Honor to show respect for a distinguished career). Doug did not hesitate to share with his fellow officials his unparalleled knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining referee-specific fitness. Self-effacing to a fault, Doug focused on commending the accomplishment of those who assisted him when refereeing or the accomplishments of those who refereed when he served as an AR or 4th official.