Three referees from Eastern Pennsylvania are going to Orlando, Florida for the US Youth Soccer National Championships that kick off next week at ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

Nicolas Lopez (Philadelphia), Patrick Manga (York) and Zachary Smith (Landenberg) were among the referees selected. All three reffed at the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships in Loudoun County, Va. Local referee Conor McCloskey is registered with Delaware but is also a familiar face in Eastern Pennsylvania. 

Referees are observed and coached by National Referee Coaches at US Youth Soccer's regional events and the coaches make recommendations for candidates to attend the national events. 

"We are very pleased to have three referees from Eastern Pennsylvania going to nationals," said Jeff Tener, State Youth Referee Administrator and member of the Board of Directors of Eastern PA Youth Soccer. "We are proud of their performance and dedication to the program." 

Games kick off on Tuesday and run through Sunday when a majority of the 2023 national finals will be played.

Eastern Pennsylvania has 21 teams competing, the most of any state association.