13-year-old Hudson Fogarty-Apps on managing autism and his love for rugby league
When 13-year-old Hudson Fogarty-Apps feels down, he calls Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. He has bullies. He battles with his learning and motor skills. But his autism is one thing that won’t stand in his way of the game he loves.
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When autistic 13-year-old Hudson Fogarty-Apps feels down, he calls Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.
It’s in rugby league that he finds comfort.
The Bungendore youngster struggles with many aspects of his day-to-day life.
He has his bullies. He battles with his learning and motor skills. He was even told he must undergo an interview process to play with a particular Canberra footy club.
But around rugby league, he’s a hero.
The avid Raiders fan was introduced to Stuart — whose daughter has autism — by Canberra assistant coach Brett White, who has also acted as a great supporter of his.
Hudson gives back to the game he loves by running a ‘Huddie Day’ each year which raises funds for the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
The concept has had so much support that sporting clubs of all types and ages, including the Wests Tigers, have embraced the concept.
In recognition of his work in the community, Hudson on Tuesday received a prestigious Premier’s award at St Edmunds School in Canberra.
Presented by the office of MP John Barilaro, Hudson was presented with one of just two yearly honours given to each electorate.
Hudson spoke of his admiration for Stuart, saying he’s been able to lean on the Raiders coach during his down times.
“Brett White’s son was playing in a footy team I was in at school. Brett went to Ricky Stuart and told him this boy has autism and he plays footy,” Hudson told The Saturday Telegraph.
‘We got invited out to the Raiders and met Ricky Stuart, and I made my Facebook page (raising awareness for autism).
“The first time we met him he gave me his phone number and said if I’m ever feeling down or sad or had a really bad day to call him up.
Hudson started playing rugby league as a youngster with the Goulburn Stockmen.
Initially he had issues with having dirty hands, so the parents of his teammates would carry sanitising wipes for Hudson’s use whenever he needed them.
Later he made the decision to play juniors with Bungendore, before moving to the North Canberra Bears where he won Players’ Player for his U13s side this season.
In his spare time, Hudson trains with the Bungendore seniors and runs the kicking tee on game day.
Soon he’ll complete his League Safe course to make the role official.
Stuart and Hudson have forged a strong relationship, with the Raiders coach grateful for what the game has given him.
“He’s a real inspiration because he’s making something of his life,” Stuart said.
“Nobody understands or knows what he’s going through outside of Hudson.
“When I see him it’s always around rugby league and that makes him happy.
“With my experience with autism, and living with my daughter who has autism, they have their own processes and the way they do things and think about things and the way they see things.
“We have to appreciate and understand the joy that Hudson gets from the game.”
As a club the Canberra Raiders have embraced Hudson, while Stuart was full of gratitude for his enormous contribution to his foundation.
“Hudson is pretty special to the team, he does a lot of work for my foundation too,” Stuart said.
“For me, it’s not about what’s raised in financial terms, it’s just the awareness it brings for autism.”
Hudson had no reservations when asked whether he aspires to run out alongside his mates in Bungendore first-grade one day.
“Honestly, my dream would be playing for the Raiders.”
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Originally published as 13-year-old Hudson Fogarty-Apps on managing autism and his love for rugby league
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