Don't tell Leilanni Nesbeth that football is a boy's game – or that girls shouldn't play on boys' teams.

That's because she is the star goalkeeper for her football team and its only girl.

The eight-year-old plays for St. David's Under-8 side.

"I don't feel any different from the boys, we are all part of the same team," the St. David's Primary student said. "Boys and girls should be on the same team because you never know how good someone is until they get a chance."

Leilanni's grandmother, Ann Williams, was at first reluctant to have her play a "boy's sport".

"I was against her playing football when she first started," she said. "I would say to her 'why don't you do ballet or something?' But the first time I saw her play, I was completely mesmerised and I realised that she really has a talent for football.

"She was never intimidated. She fit right in and made friends with all of the boys right away. I think they respect her for her good sportsmanship."

The primary three student credits her stepfather with introducing her to football and teaching her how to be a good sport.

"When I was little my daddy took me to a football game and I thought that it looked like a lot of fun," she said. "I pictured myself scoring goals and running around like them. I felt like I belonged out there."

Recently Leilanni's St. David's team played their bitter rivals Dandy Town. In previous matches Dandy Town has beaten St. David's by as many as 13 goals.

During the most recent match Leilanni stepped into goal for her team. To the amazement and glee of her teammates and family she managed to block approximately 30 shots on goal to bring St. David's to a two goal victory.

Because of her stellar performance, Leilanni was selected to play for the Eastern Under-8 team, which is made up of the best young players from the eastern end of the Island.

On top of football, Leilanni is one of only two girls on her school's cricket team.

"I am a spin bowler," she said. "It is fun to bowl or catch someone out."

Her grandmother was quick to point out that while football and cricket are major parts of Leilanni's life "academics come first".

Leilanni has attained grades of 90 percent or higher in all of her classes a feat which has given her a spot on her school's honour role and the principal's list.

"My favourite subject is math, because I like doing the timetables and it is easy for me," said Leilanni "And art class is my second favourite, I enjoy creating things because you never know how they will turn out."

She's also an avid fisherman and viola player.

Her advice to her peers?

"It doesn't matter if you are a girl or a boy," she said. "Just do your best and don't take any opportunities for granted. Don't be afraid to try out for anything. You will only regret what you didn't try."