When the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards were first introduced in 2017, NSW Touch Football nominated David Baggio for Official of the Year.
At the time, David was not only regarded as the number one referee in New South Wales, but also the number one referee in Australia and across the world. That nomination, held at Parliament House, recognised an incredible career and a standard of officiating that many young referees could only hope to follow.
Fast forward to today, and we have a very special full circle moment.
Like David, Charlie Cheesley comes from Wagga. Like David, Charlie has now been recognised at the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards. And, just like David, Charlie’s journey has been shaped by hard work, commitment, humility and the influence of strong mentoring.
David has been a mentor to Charlie over the years, and their connection is one of those great stories within our sport. Charlie joined the Talented Referees Youth Squad, known as TRYS, in 2019 a program designed to mentor young referees, guide them through the pathway and support them as they work towards becoming a Level Four State Graded Referee.
Charlie achieved that milestone later that same year at the NSW State Cup, and from there his refereeing journey has continued to go from strength to strength.
He has followed in the footsteps of his mentor in the most impressive way, earning selection in the NSW Elite Referee Squad, as well as the Touch Football Australia Elite Referee Squad, and going on to referee at a Touch Football World Cup.
What makes this story even more special is the similarities you see between David and Charlie. Their mannerisms, the way they present themselves on the field, their relationship with players, their movement, their calmness, and their ability to be clear, precise and respected in the big moments you can see the influence.
It is a wonderful example of what great mentoring can do for a young referee who wants to take the pathway seriously.
From Wagga, to TRYS, to State Cup, to elite squads, to the world stage — Charlie’s journey shows the power of opportunity, guidance and belief.
Two referees from Wagga.
Two Sport NSW Community Sports Awards winners.
One mentor. One young referee following in his footsteps.
A true full circle moment for NSW Touch Football