Kelly Smith, MBE OLY

NAME Kelly Jayne Smith, MBE OLY
DOB 29 October 1978
BORN Watford, England
HEIGHT 1.68 m
WEIGHT 59 kg
POSITION Forward

At the age of 7 Kelly had already started playing football with the boys in the school playground. It was the thrill she got from doing this that she realised she had a passion for sport and natural talent for football. After being asked to leave two boys teams (for being their best player!) she played for several local girls teams until her innate talent was spotted by Arsenal Ladies Football Club scouts at the age of 16.

Her career progressed rapidly from there to the extent that she was one of the youngest ever players to be selected to play for the England national Ladies team making her debut v Italy in 1995 at the age of 16.

Wembley Ladies FC 1994 - 1996

Kelly made her first senior debut in women’s football with Wembley Ladies.

Arsenal Ladies FC 1996 - 1997

Kelly got her dream move to Arsenal and scored two goals and assisted on the third in a 3-0 win over Liverpool at Highbury to secure the Premier League title.

Seton Hall Pirates, USA 1997 - 1999

Kelly’s career accelerated at the age of 21 when she was awarded a scholarship by Seton Hall University (New Jersey). Over the following 3 seasons Kelly gained notoriety in the United States as one of the nation’s top collegiate players where she was named the Big East Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and her jersey number (6) was retired when she left in recognition that her achievements in that role would never be surpassed.

New Jersey Lady Stallions, USA 1999 - 2000

Kelly had a successful first season in the W League.

Philadelphia Charge, USA 2001 - 2003

Kelly was drafted second in the WUSA and was named in the 2001 WUSA Global All Star Team.

New Jersey Wild Cats, USA 2004

Kelly played an important role in the 8 games she participated in whereby she scored 8 goals and 6 assists.

Arsenal Ladies FC and Academy Assistant Coach 2005 - 2009

Kelly returned to Arsenal and won the league with her team and also won the famous quadruple with the Gunners the following year.

MBE awarded in 2008

Kelly was delighted and surprised to be appointed MBE in 2008.

Boston Breakers, USA 2009 - 2012

Kelly signed for Boston Breakers and joined the Massachusetts side for the commencement of the Women’s Professional Soccer league in April 2009.

GB Olympic Team 2012

Kelly represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London. Kelly played in that memorable game versus Brazil at Wembley in front of a record crowd of 75,000.

England International 2015

Kelly retired from International football after a 20 year career with England, 117 caps and England Women's all-time record goalscorer with 46 goals. She has also featured in the top five of the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year rankings four times in her career.

Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentor 2014 - 2016
Arsenal Ladies FC Captain/Assistant Coach August 2013 - 2016
Broadcaster & Sports Personality
2016 - Present

Kelly continues to be a trailblazer and inspire the next generation through her punditry, partnerships and community work.