Sisters doing it for themselves

The Rogers have not just one member of the family competing in sport at county level – but three.

Twins Minnie and Maisie, aged 12, and their big sister India, 14, have been making their parents proud and hitting the headlines in the sports pages of The Gazette.

All three represent Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Athletics – Maisie and Minnie in cross country, Maisie is a Lancashire gold medal winner in hammer-throwing, Minnie is a pole vaulter and recently competed in Glasgow. All three represented BWFAC recently at Sports Hall Stanley Park.

The girls also play for Blackpool Netball Club, playing in the league and India and Maisie also play for the Lancashire Netball team.

The trio also play for Blackpool Football Club Girls and Ladies – India for the under 16s and Minnie and Maisie for the under 13s.

The girls also represent their school, Lytham St Annes High School, in football, netball and hockey.

It makes for a busy life for their proud parents, but they say it’s worth it.

Dad Dan, of North Shore, said: “We just sort of take it for granted really and ferry them all over the North West.

“But when we stopped to think about it, it probably is quite unusual.

“I’m not really one for blowing our own trumpets, but I can’t think of other youngsters, who are siblings, and have achieved things in sport and enjoy sport like they do.

“We are immensely proud of them all – we feel they are a great advert for Blackpool and for sport in general.

“They’ve always been interested in sport. I suppose they might have got it from us in a way, as my wife has always played netball and I’ve always been into football.

“Joining the athletics club has meant they have had chance to try activities they probably wouldn’t have done – such as hammer-throwing and the javelin.

“It does mean our diaries are very busy and my wife Samantha has to really keep a track of who’s going where every weekend, but it’s worth it.

“They all do enjoy school too.

“India used to be shy, but I think taking part in sport like this has really boosted her confidence.

“Everywhere we go, lots of other children recognise and chat to them, they have made friends through sport.

“It’s great it’s something really positive and healthy they’re doing, rather than sitting at home playing on an X-box all the time. They’re good role models for other youngsters.”

Mum Samantha said: “It’s a great social thing for them and they really are good ambassadors for the area.

“As parents it’s really nice to look out of the window in the garden and see India helping Maisie with her split landing for netball, or seeing Maisie in nets for Minnie to practice her striking, or both twins marking India, to help her with her shooting.”

All three girls say having sporty sisters helps them, as it means they have someone to practice with and they can help each other with things they find harder.

India said: “I love sport because it keeps you physically and mentally fit. Sometimes, if I’m not selected for things, it makes me work harder to prove that I can do it.”

Maisie said: “I love sport because it keeps you fit and you make lots of friends. I love football and netball and hammer and I really want to trail for Lancashire hockey next season.”

Minnie said: “I love sport because it’s fun and makes you strong. I love all the sports I do, but if I had to pick a favourite, pole vault would be on top of the list.

“It’s challenging, but very rewarding and my coach is the best.”