David Walsh and South Burnett soccer referees
David Walsh (white shirt) with Football South Burnett’s soccer referees in Kingaroy on Saturday

July 8, 2013

by Martin Stern

Kingaroy’s soccer referees enjoyed an “A-League” experience when one of Australia’s top level referees took control of the Gunners versus Nanango 1st Division match on Saturday.

David Walsh – who was Assistant Referee in this year’s A-League Grand Final – visited Kingaroy to give a training session to members of Football South Burnett’s soccer referees group.

His down-to-earth and easygoing nature appealed to everyone as he gave young and old referees an insight into professional refereeing, as well as invaluable knowledge about Assistant Refereeing.

Afterwards, he stayed to watch the Second Division and Women’s games at Tom Alford Oval before doing the centre for the 1st Division match.

David Walsh has been officiating at the top level of the sport in Australia since 2009.

He’s made 56 A-League appearances and travels throughout Australia to referee matches.

He also officiated for the New Zealand versus New Caledonia World Cup Qualification match, and his next big gig will be as Assistant Referee for the sold-out Manchester United versus A-League All Stars match at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on July 20.

He will also being assisting on the Liverpool versus Melbourne Victory match later this month.

At present David is refereeing in the Queensland Division of the National Premier League, and works full-time as a high school maths and HPE teacher in Brisbane.

Football South Burnett’s referees look forward to having him visit the region on a regular basis from now on.