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Football: England ace Kelly on Hallowed ground

By Jon Couch
February 02, 2012

STEP aside Dean Holdsworth, there’s a new coach in town.

In preparation for the npower Football League Under 13 Girls’ Cup South Regional Finals, pupils from the All Hallows Catholic School team received a surprise visit from England ladies’ hero and soon-to-be Olympian, Kelly Smith MBE.

Representing Aldershot Town, the girls are taking on schools representing Cardiff City, Gillingham and Watford in the South Regional Finals at Reading FC on February 7 - and they got the best possible heads-up from former Arsenal striker Smith, who put them through their paces at the school in Farnham.

With more than 15 years' international experience, Kelly is a role model to all female footballers and knows exactly what it takes to succeed having won 16 illustrious trophies and 109 international caps for her country, scoring 49 goals in the process.

The All Hallows team is one of the last eight vying for a place in the Grand Final, which is due to be played prior to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 25.

Smith, who now plies her trade in the USA for Boston Breakers, said: “Women’s football in this country has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and these extremely talented girls are a product of that.

“The npower Football League U13 Girls Cup really champions the future of women’s football and the opportunity to play in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Stadium is an absolute dream for any footballer.”

Clare McDougall, head of Community & Education at npower, said: “Kelly is one of the world’s finest women’s footballers and an inspiration for all young girls.

"With a wealth of experience and a personal trophy cabinet to match, we believe she can help coach All Hallows on their road to Wembley and motivate these fine young players to become the country’s future talent.”

All Hallows won the right to represent Aldershot Town in the 72-team competition, progressing through to the Regional Final after beating other rival schools in the knockout stages.

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