Junior footballer Skye Laycock has already left a lasting legacy in her small hometown of Scamander, after writing to AFL Tasmania, her wish for goal posts be installed in her town has now been granted.
Nestled between St Helens and St Mary’s, the town is home to the Scamander Sports Complex, a venue hosting cricket, bowls and eight-ball, but no footy.
Skye first dreamt of goalposts in her town in 2023, when the Sports Complex held a meeting to ask kids what sporting equipment they’d like to see at the venue.
She then wrote to AFL Tasmania after seeing the announcement of its 28 by 28 Vision, including the implementation of the Kicking Goals program.
Skye’s letter outlined the benefits goal posts 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. 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. It would allow us to practice more often and help improve our kicking skills.”
Skye’s idea was supported by the Scamander Sports Complex, Break O Day Council and East Coast Swans FC.
Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker said it’s a great result for the community.
“It is always great to see young people in our 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 the Kicking Goals program, bringing Skye’s vision to life.
The Kicking Goals program is a key strategic pillar of AFL Tasmania’s 28 by 28 vision, aiming to also enhance capacity and access of facilities through the upgrade and development of 70 new ovals across the state that increase gender-friendly facilities.
AFL Tasmania’s Anthony Osborn said it’s an excellent outcome for Skye and the town.
“Skye is a fantastic representative for her community, harnessing her love for footy to create a legacy for Scamander.
“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.
“Goal posts at the Scamander Sports Complex increases the breadth of footy’s footprint in Tasmania, providing more of an opportunity for young people to engage in the game on the east coast.”
Expressions of interest are now open for all Tasmanian state schools via the AFL Tasmania website, with AFL Tasmania set to roll out goal posts to dozens of schools in 2025.
Local clubs, councils and schools are encouraged to contact afltas.facilities@afl.com.au for more information about potential football infrastructure projects and funding opportunities.