While playing soccer wasn't exactly Logan Atkinson's forte, he's found his footing in refereeing the sport instead.
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The 17-year-old Launceston College student initially played soccer for Launceston City.
"I wasn't very good, put simply," Atkinson said.
"I thought I'd still like to associate myself with soccer without the competitive playing nature so refereeing was the first thing that came to mind.
"I saw a lot of other people doing it who said they really enjoyed it so that's how I got into it."
Since starting his reffing career in 2019, Atkinson has gone from coaching junior competitions to centre referee for under-16s and assistant ref for under-18s, senior women's as well as men's championship reserves matches.
He's in the full swing of things now, but Atkinson said the learning curve was quite steep.
"Learning and interpreting the rules, [and] putting them into practice on the field in my first few games was quite a challenge but I'm glad I did it because I wouldn't be here [Windsor Park] right now if I didn't," he said.
Father Michael Atkinson added that getting into refereeing helped boost his son's confidence overall.
"When he started, he was very shy ... refereeing has made him open up, more confident and a more grown up, mature person," Michael said.
"Because he has to be out there, talking to players, making decisions and he has to live with them. It's really good to see him out there growing up."
Atkinson has also helped out at multiple Devonport Cups.
"This year was much better than my first year because I'm more confident now than I was back then," he said.
"Doing the bigger games has helped me in general in terms of how I perceive the game, talk to the players and how I've gotten more confident giving signals.
"How I talk to my other referees as well - giving them instructions."
Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?
The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.
Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.
Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.
Harry Murtough
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
