A young footballer from a small Tasmanian town has made a big impact on her community after her wish for goalposts at the local sports complex was granted.
15-year-old Skye Laycock from Scamander first dreamt of having goalposts in her town in 2023 when the Scamander Sports Complex held a meeting to ask kids what sporting equipment they would like to see.
She then wrote to AFL Tasmania, outlining the benefits goalposts would provide her small community and young footballers like herself.
“I love my footy and this is my second year playing AFLW with the East Coast Swans under 14 girls team,” she wrote.
“We are a fairly new team but there are lots of kids from Scamander who travel to St Helens and other areas for training and weekly games.”
“We do not have a school in Scamander … it would make a real difference to have facilities this close by. I know of lots of kids who would use the goalposts.”
Skye’s idea was supported by the Scamander Sports Complex, Break O Day Council and East Coast Swans Football Club.
Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker said it is great to see young people in the region standing up for their community.
“A lot of adults could learn from Skye’s example, she has shown initiative, motivation and maturity beyond her years.”
“On behalf of the whole Break O’Day community we would like to say how proud we are to have Skye in our community and thank her, we would also like to thank AFL Tasmania for getting behind Skye and supporting our community.”
Two sets of goal posts have now been installed at the Scamander Sports Complex as a part of AFL Tasmania’s Kicking Goals program, bringing Skye’s vision to life.
AFL Tasmania’s Anthony Osborn said it’s an excellent outcome for Skye and the town.
“Like so many young Tasmanians, Skye is passionate about her footy and it is a delight to know that these posts are going to support the football aspirations of her community for many years to come.”
