State Football

State Football

Hi, my name is Layla Robertson and I am a Year 6 in F14. I play school and club football and hope to become an AFLW player in the future. My favourite position is wing because I enjoy the thrill of getting the ball out of the midfield by kicking it or tucking and running it into the forwards.

During the April school holidays, I attended a 3-day trial for the SA school sport state under 12 girls' football team. We found out a few weeks later that I had made the team - I couldn't have been more excited about the opportunity!

Over the past 4 months, I trained each week with the final squad at Golden Grove. Throughout the time I learnt new skills to improve my football, and new drills and formed friendships with girls from all over the state.

The competition was played at Norwood, Campbelltown and Payneham ovals. After each game, we collected pins from the other teams with their state logos.

The first game we played was against NSW, we won 20 - 14. The second game we played was against WA and we were down 21 - 0 and we came back and won 22 - 21. We played Queensland and defeated them 18 - 6. The day after that we played ACT and won 71 - 0. The last day was the Grand final against VIC, we were tied with them at halftime and unfortunately lost by 3 points at the final siren. 

I am proud of my team, that we still came 2nd as we all gave our very best. I'm so pleased I was able to be a part of the inaugural U12 state team and took SA to the Grand Final.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and definitely recommend any future football players to have a go and attend next year's trials.