Queensland will be represented across the board in tomorrow night’s Foxtel Y-League Grand Final, with Sunshine Coast local Jay Hudson appointed as assistant referee for the Championship decider between Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar at ANZ Stadium.
Hudson will join referee Shane Skinner (WA), fellow assistant referee Sam Kelly (NSW) and fourth official Hassan Jomaa (NSW).
Having refereed on the Sunshine Coast since 2007, the National Premier Leagues Queensland since 2015 and the Foxtel Y-League since 2017, Hudson has worked hard to get to where he is today.
“It is gratifying being selected amongst all the referees in the Y-League system to officiate a competition on the national scale,” Hudson said.
“I have officiated and been involved with games in competitions at home on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane, but this is the biggest game I’ve been involved in by far.”
For Hudson, this is just the first of many big games, with aspirations reaching high, aiming to crack the ranks of Hyundai A-League officials.
“It is only natural that my next goal would be to officiate in the A-League, however I’m just taking my time, patience is key,” Hudson said.
Players are not the only ones that experience nerves heading into big games, however Hudson carries with him a calm demeanor, showcasing his patience.
“I’m feeling comfortable, excited for the challenge,” Hudson said.
“The nerves won’t hit me until I run out into the middle of the field.”
Many younger referees and players can look to Hudson’s achievements as building blocks for their own football futures.
“This achievement shows to younger referees Queensland wide that if they strive towards their goals, they can achieve great results,” said Football Queensland State Referee Coach Mark Simon-Green.
Football Federation Australia Director of Referees Ben Wilson congratulated all the match officials on their appointment to the Foxtel Y-League 2019 Grand Final.
“This appointment is thoroughly deserved and is recognition of the strong performances of Shane, Sam, Jay and Hassan throughout the Foxtel Y-League 2018/19 season,” Wilson said.
The Foxtel Y-League 2019 Grand Final will be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Sports 505 from 3.00pm (Queensland time) on Friday, 1 February 2019.
Football Queensland would like to congratulate Jay Hudson on being appointed to officiate the Foxtel Y-League Grand Final and wish him the best of luck for the match.
