Little did he know, ten years later he would be a finalist for the Sports NSW Young Official of the Year Award.

Though Wake has won similar awards in school for his umpiring, he said this nomination was on an entirely new level.

"I wasn't expecting to be nominated, and when I found out I was blown away," he said.

Having started with the Goulburn Touch Association, Wake has spent the last decade steadily climbing up the ranks. However, it was only a few years ago that he decided to see how far he could take his umpiring.

"When I was about 14, it hit me that this is something that I could stick with and see how far I get," Wake said.

"I want to referee a World Cup grand final. That's definitely on the agenda, or even just to referee at the World Cup."

The 18-year-old has made good inroads thus far, and has umpired at national championships in Coffs Harbour, along with some state-level competitions in NSW.

As he is still relatively young by refereeing standards, Wake has worked hard to earn each of his promotions so far. Arguably his most rewarding role has been in the Vawdon Cup - Sydney's primary touch football competition.

"Every Friday last season I went up to Sydney to referee some tournaments up there," he said.

"I went and refereed up there and ranked in the top 12."

While Wake hoped that his high rankings would continue his rise, the 2020 season was instead stifled by COVID-19. In the interim, he has focused on his fitness and taken some time away from touch football.

"I haven't done a whole lot of touch football, a little bit of fitness here and there and golf as well," he said. "It's been good to have a bit of a break."

Officiating is often one of the most difficult and thankless roles in sport, however Wake said he finds motivation in the personal connections he has made through the sport.

"That's what keeps us going, the mates you meet along the way," he said.

"I've built relationships along the way, and what keeps a lot of people going is the culture in the referees' tent."

Once the off-season comes to an end, Wake is eager to get back on the field and hopes to make further good impressions in the Vawdon Cup.

With over 500,000 people donating their time and effort to community sport each year, the Sports NSW Community Sport Awards acknowledge the achievements and contributions of this volunteer workforce.

Across 10 categories, more than 200 nominations were submitted recognising officials, coaches, administrators, and organisations.

The winners of the awards will be announced later in 2020, with details of the event yet to be confirmed.

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