‘I am not finished’: Stalwart’s rare feat

IT IS difficult for Paul Edmondson to put into words how he views his time with Townsville Touch Football.

Why? Because even after 25 years he is far from finished.

Edmondson’s service to the sport in the region was recognised on Tuesday night when he became just the third person to be given life membership.

He joins Glen Wilson and Barry Peters — both honoured in 1990 — in the elusive group.

After more than two decades in which he has been a player, referee, coach and vicepresident (just a few of the many hats he has worn), Edmondson said he was still “surprised big time” when he was announced as a life member.

“It doesn’t feel that long, it hasn’t, it’s just a part of life. I can still remember my first game of touch footy, it doesn’t feel that long ago,” Edmondson said.

“There’s not much more I can achieve, but I just love the sport so I’ll keep going. I want to see other people achieve what I have.

“I haven’t really thought about it (what I’ve achieved) because I’m not finished. I’m still involved and I’m still enjoying it.”

Never did Edmondson believe he would have reached the plateaus he has in the sport, nor that it would evolve in such a nature.

He has witnessed State of Origin and NRL concepts emerge, and he himself has reached the international stage.

Not many sport enthusiasts could say refereeing is where their heart lies, such is the hostile receptions officials can often receive on game day.

But for Edmondson it stands out, culminating in a 2019 appearance at the Touch Football World Cup in Malaysia. There was no one game which stood out, Edmondson said. Rather it was the experience as a whole, and one he still hopes to emulate in the future.

“It was unreal, it was exciting but a bit scary because you’re going to another country. I enjoyed it,” Edmondson said. “It wasn’t a game, it was just being there and representing your country. It was really good, and hopefully I do it again.”