Our Futsal stalwarts and veterans quite often follow a similar path as their playing careers slow down. Coaching, management and office work are all avenues often explored, but for Shaun Young, he has followed a slightly different path and has no intention of slowing his playing career down either.
The 37-year-old from Tasmania is now a senior referee in Hobart and combines this with competing as a player in 3 separate competitions every week. In addition, the Futsal-obsessed dad manages a men’s competition on a Sunday as well as fulfilling his role as Assistant Manager for the Hobart venue in the absence of the centre manager.
Speaking on how he become one of Tasmania’s leading Futsal referees, Shaun explained:
“It’s funny how it actually came about, I started playing and then the centre manager rang me one night asking if I could fill in as they were short on refs. Then one thing led to another, and it sort of took off from there.
“When you are standing on the other side of the line, it’s a completely different ball game. You see things from different perspectives.
“With where I’ve got to now, with the refereeing and the management side of things on a Sunday, I suppose it’s just happened through the passion I have for the sport. I want to show my son that there’s a lot to get out the sport.
“I first started playing futsal about 3 years ago now, that came about from playing outdoor football. Once the season finished, a heap of us from the same team thought ‘why not get a bit of extra pre-season and play some Futsal’. I think lots of other football players should do the same.”
Shaun also shared his advice for any aspiring Futsal referees out there:
“First of all, I would highly recommend it, once you get going it really gets your confidence up. Of course, everything is going to be a bit different at the start but once you get your head around a few things and the rules properly, you wouldn’t want to change a thing.
“We’ve got quite a few new refs coming in just now, my advice would be for someone looking at starting to come along one night or one afternoon and sit on the side-line to see what it’s all about. If you are interested, we can take your details and pass them onto the centre manager. Romeo will then give them a buzz and get them in to see what they can do and see what they are all about.”
Shaun’s Futsal involvement does not stop there, his son Taiytan has just been selected to represent his region at nationals. He added:
“I absolutely love the idea of it, he plays club football and Futsal, it makes me so proud. But now I’m basically here 6 days a week. I’ll be living here soon!
“I’d like to see my son grow up and go through the ranks like I have. He’s here every day I’m here and I want to see him, and other younger kids, progress in Futsal and in life.
“If kids want to have a crack, pick up the ball. Get into it and enjoy yourself, it’s not about winning, it’s about having fun.”