SIBLINGS GEAR UP FOR NATIONALS
Sibling rivalry is fairly common in sporting circles.
However, few sisters can almost guarantee they could have the last say like Layla Proctor.
Why? Because Layla, 13, is a qualified football referee and most of her siblings are players, including younger brother Flynn, 12.
Thankfully the two don’t “meet” on the field of play – they will share a common ground of sorts in September, though.
Both Proctors will head to Sydney next month for the School Sport Australia national championships (12 years and under).
Layla will have her whistle in hand and Flynn will line-up in goal for the Queensland side.
Layla, who was selected on the back of her performances at recent championships, admits she is a little nervous ahead of the championships.
“I am a little bit nervous but I’m also excited,” she said.
“I treat every game exactly the same. I think that’s very important.
“You need to be positive because it affects your game.”
And it’s not enough to just know the rules either, according Layla.
“To be a good referee you have to know the rules and know them well,” she said.
“But you also have to know how to apply them and be confident when you do.
“I also make sure I listen to my refereeing mentor Trevor (Jacobsen) and ask lots of questions.”
Playing behind a new defensive line, Flynn will also be nervous but the young keeper is looking forward to the experience.
“I’m a little bit nervous because I’ll be playing with defenders I haven’t met before,” he said.
Photo: Bev Lacey
‘‘ I TREAT EVERY GAME EXACTLY THE SAME. I THINK THAT’S VERY IMPORTANT. LAYLA PROCTOR
“I’m always told that as a keeper you need to talk a lot and keep things positive – that will help a lot.
“You have to be focused all the time as well if you want to help your team.”
Flynn’s love of a “challenge” should also serve him well at the championships.
“It can be really hard when you’re a goalkeeper,” he said.
“When your team makes a mistake they’re relying on you to save them.
“I like that challenge though. I like when they (the opposition) take a shot and think it’s going in but then you save it.”