Dream comes true for aspiring young umpireFriday, August 17, 2018 - 11:05 AM

Eight-year-old Travis Walter wants to be an AFL umpire when he grows up.

This dream recently became a reality for the Darlington Junior Football player when he got given the opportunity to train with AFL umpires.

The young aspiring umpire got to show off his backwards running, goal flag waving and bounces at the training session – moves he picked up from watching footy on TV at the age of six.

Travis’ mum Jenny said he has always had a keen interest in the rules of the game.

“From a very young age Travis would constantly and relentlessly question his Dad and Grandpa about the rules of the game and why the umpire had made each decision so he could better understand the rules,” she said.

“Travis is a stickler for the rules, and if you ask him why he wants to be an umpire, it’s because  he wants to make the game fair.

“He got a whistle for his birthday this year and constantly has it in his hand or pocket, and tries to keep the whole family in check!”

Jenny thanked the umpires for giving her son the opportunity of a lifetime.

“We were blown away by the reception and the experience created for Trav. This will be something that he will remember forever – it’s not often a young kid gets to experience a taste of a dream,” she said.

“We have been around sporting clubs, particularly football clubs for much of our life and being from the country, we know the strong influence that sporting clubs have on the development of young people, in shaping the people they become, the friendships they form and the role models they encounter.

“To see the strong role models, community spirit and outstanding individual personalities within the umpiring community provides plenty of confidence to us as Trav’s parents that being an umpire or just being associated with the umpiring family will shape him to be the best person he can be.”