Kelly Smith became the third inductee of the Barclays FA WSL Hall of Fame, which was announced on Wednesday. Kelly Smith wore the legendary No 10 jersey during her playing days.
Kelly Smith is an English footballer, who spent three spells with FA Women’s Super League and her club Arsenal. When Kelly Smith moved to the United States, Kelly Smith made a record with Seton Hall University, then played professionally with the Women’s United Soccer Association. When she returned to Arenal for a period of time, she won the 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup.
She deserved this as she is England’s top goalscorer at her time as a player and she also helped her team Arsenal to win the 2012 league title. She also played a great role in the Women’s FA Cup victories in 2014 and 2016.
Kelly Smith returned to FA Women’s Super League in 2012 after a spell playing in America, alongside Alex Scott, received huge attention and was seen as a landmark moment for the league to have attracted one of the game’s biggest stars back to England.
And on Wednesday, Barclays FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame, expert selection panel told that Kelly Smith is worth having as a third Barclays FA WSL Hall of Fame.
Ex-player, current Brighton & Hove Albion head coach and member of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame selection panel, Hope Powell, said: “When thinking of my Barclays FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame inductee selection, Kelly Smith was one of the first individuals I thought of.”
“There are few words that I can use to describe what she was able to do on the pitch. She was a magician, she made things look so effortless and she just glided across the field with ease.”
“Kelly’s profile and respect from different parts of the world has been a huge asset in promoting the women’s game here. I am delighted that we are able to induct her into the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame.”
