MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND – JUNE 1: (L) Kelly Smith celebrates scoring the 1st Arsenal goal with manager Shelly Kerr during the match at Stadium mk on June 1, 2014 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kelly Smith, former English National Player and soccer legend, has announced her retirement after over two decades of playing professional women’s soccer. Debuting for the English National Team in 1995 at the age of of 17, Smith first came to play in the United States when she enrolled at Seton Hall University in 1997. Spending three years with the Pirates, she was the first to be named both the Player of the Year and Newcomer of the year in 1997 and the first athlete at the University to have their number retired.
Smith played in three women’s professional leagues in the United States including the W-league, Women’s United Soccer Association and after four seasons with the Arsenal Ladies FC in England, returned to the US to play with the Boston Breakers in the WPS. In 2012 Smith returned to Arsenal Ladies Football Club to play out the remainder of her career.
As news of her retirement circulates, Smith issued her own message to the world:
I started at the age of 8 playing on local boys’ teams; I moved on to Watford Ladies; to Wembley Ladies; and then Arsenal Ladies. Along with the clubs I played for in the USA, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of lessons and memories.
My deepest thanks to everyone at Arsenal Football Club for making it possible for me to pursue my childhood dream: representing the club I grew up supporting. I am so proud to have been part of the Arsenal family for so many years, and prouder still to have contributed to its many successes and much silverware.
I’m also grateful for the honour of playing with and against so many outstanding players worldwide.
One thing has been consistent throughout my playing career: the magnificent support I’ve received from fans. It has been a pleasure to get to know familiar faces at games, and to read the generous fan mail. Thanks to every one of you for your unflagging support for the game, and for me.
The full message can be found on the Arsenal Ladies Website.
