Layla McEachen made the decision to step into umpiring and has not looked back. Now entering her second season with the Perth Football League, she reflects on her first year as a foundation that has set her up for continued growth.

“This is my second year now, and last year felt like a warm-up.”

Her introduction to umpiring came after watching a family friend, Lily, officiate a match, sparking the belief that she could give it a go herself.

“I went to watch one of my family friends umpire and thought, I can give this a go.”

Lily has since progressed to WAFL level, reinforcing that there is a genuine pathway available for female officials. For Layla, seeing someone she knew advance through the ranks made the opportunity feel real and achievable.

When she first signed up, Layla weighed up her options between goals and boundary umpiring before backing herself to take on the physical challenge.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to do goals or boundary at first. I decided to try boundary, and after a few trainings, I thought, I can do this.”

Her first match remains a standout memory. Running out alongside Lily gave her confidence, even though the nerves were still there.

“I was really scared at the start, but after the first half I realised I could do it.”

That early breakthrough was significant. What began as self doubt gradually shifted into confidence as she became more comfortable with positioning, throw ins and understanding the flow of the game.

Looking back at footage from her first match, Layla can clearly see how far she has come.

“My mum filmed my first game, and when I watched it back, I realised I still had a lot to learn. But now I can get the ball up properly, I’m running well, and I understand the rules. I’ve definitely improved.”

One of her biggest initial concerns was officiating players older and taller than her.

“I was scared of the players being older and way taller than me. I didn’t want them telling me I’d done something wrong.”

With experience came authority. As her knowledge improved, so did her confidence in managing those situations.

Her development was recognised quickly. In her debut season, Layla was appointed to two Grand Finals, including the Women’s A Reserves decider and junior fixtures.

“Getting my first Grand Final was my favourite moment. Then I got two, which made it even better. I was really proud of myself.”

For a first year umpire, those appointments reflect both performance and potential. They also highlight the strength of the female umpiring pathway within the Perth Football League, where commitment and improvement are rewarded with meaningful opportunities.

Beyond on field development, the culture within the umpiring group has been central to her journey. Although her first training session felt daunting, the welcoming environment quickly eased her nerves.

“Everyone was really nice when I started.”

As more girls joined the group, her confidence grew even further.

“There were more girls there, which made me feel more comfortable. I made friends with people of different ages and I was really happy.”

That sense of belonging is critical in supporting young female officials to stay involved and continue developing.

Heading into her second season, Layla is focused on building on her progress, enjoying the experience and continuing to challenge herself. She is open to trying men’s matches or remaining within the women’s competition, and like many ambitious officials, she has her sights set on further Grand Final opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to doing it all again, meeting more people and hopefully getting another Grand Final, maybe at a higher grade.”

For girls who might be considering umpiring but feel unsure, her advice is simple and encouraging.

“If I can do it, I bet you can do it too.”

From a nervous first timer at training to a two-time Grand Final umpire in her debut season, Layla McEachen's journey showcases the opportunities available within the Perth Football League’s female umpiring pathway. With strong mentorship, clear progression and a supportive community, the future for young female officials continues to grow.