Gold Coast United goalkeeper Layla Adams is doing extra training with the men, determined to wear the keeper’s jersey if her club’s A-League bid becomes a reality.
The Bond University Bachelor of Project Management student knows there is every chance GCU will join the prominent national league within the next two seasons, and she’s leaving no stone unturned to ensure she is at the top of selectors’ lists.
“The women’s team trains at a different time to the men’s, so I do the regular sessions with my team and then join in with the senior men,” Adams said.
“It can be a bit daunting being on the receiving end of the men’s shots, as they are a bit faster and the balls come in harder, but I absolutely thrive on a challenge so I really enjoy it.”
The 19-year-old, whose impressive 54 saves this season already makes her the current leading goal saver in the women’s Queensland National Premier League, says the role of a goalkeeper is more intricate than many believe.
“There is a bit of a misunderstanding that keeping is a lonely job, but that comes from how games were played in the past, when the keeper stayed back in the goal square and was there just to save goals.
“The role has changed a lot in the last 15 to 20 years, and the goalkeeper is now as much a part of the team as every other player, with many plays involving the keeper.
“My other job is communication – I need to be the voice in the backline, constantly reading the game and telling my teammates about things they can’t see – it’s nonstop.”
GCU was initially formed as an A-League team in 2008, lasting three seasons in the men’s national competition before becoming a regular in the Queensland NPL, with the women’s team added in 2017.
Adams – who names Matildas keeper Mackenzie Arnold as her idol – says her goal of becoming a professional football player would be all the more realistic if GCU were to re-enter the top competition.
“It’s definitely something I’ve got my mind on – to prove I’m worthy of the goalkeeper position when we become an A-League club,” she said.
“It may not happen next year – it will probably be the year after – but I’m always working hard, trying to make my mark.
“When it happens, I want my name to be the first on the list.”