A Question of Performance

Ep 15. Kelly Smith MBE - football legend on commitment, retirement and love of the game


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In episode 15 we talk with Kelly Smith about her football career, how the sport has changed over the past twenty years and her views on success. We also talk about what it's like being in the public eye and how it feels to embark on a new career as a coach.  

Kelly Smith, arguably England's greatest ever female player, dedicated her whole life to playing football and retired from international duty after 20 years. Kelly was the first England Women's superstar, on the global stage. One of Smith's greatest strengths was her longevity, defying lengthy injuries and her age to steal the show in big matches in the twilight of her career. A surprise selection to start the 2016 Women's FA Cup final aged 37, having required ankle surgery in 2015, Smith shone under the famous Wembley arch in the number 10 role. That display was typical of the enduring class that saw her shortlisted for the 2015 Women's Players' Player of the Year award when she was 36.

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A Question of PerformanceBy Tammy Parlour: Performance psychology podcaster