Big stage beckons for Lacey

Soccer extraordinaire Lacey Heys was the rising sports star for August and hopes one day to play for the Australian women’s national soccer team, just like Samantha Kerr.

Heys’ love of soccer began at the age of four and has continued to grow — along with her skills improving — each season.

The 11-year-old Busselton resident said she enjoyed being herself on the field and spending time with her friends.

“I play attacking and midfield, and also left wing sometimes,” she said.

“Midfield is like the engine room, you move around — it’s definitely one of the most important positions,” she said.

Heys said she was looking forward to working on her fitness after her team closely missed out on first place in the under-13s competition.

“I did pretty well this season,” she said. I think we improved a lot and as a team ... we came second overall to Busselton.

“I’m working on my around-the-world and also step-overs in the game, I’m also working on looking up and checking my shoulder when receiving the ball.”

During COVID-19 restrictions, Heys practised her skills at the National Training Centre in Perth and said she was focused on becoming more of a team player for next season.

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