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England Women's International and Leeds Carnegie forward, Sue Smith is one of the most recognisable names on the English football fields. She is also a regular as a sports presenter, commentator and most recently starred alongside Wayne Rooney in Sky One's Street Striker.
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Little Miss Soccer: How old were you when you first started playing soccer and who/what
inspired you to play? |
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Sue Smith: "I was 5 years old when I first started to play it was for a local boys team called Rainhill United but if you spoke to my parents they would say that I have always kicked a ball from being able to walk. My brother played football so I copied him and played for his boys team. I have been very lucky that I have had a supportive family my dad drove me everywhere and my mum and brother have always supported me. So they are my inspiration." |
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LMS: What has been your career highlight to date? |
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SS: "My highlight so far has to be being selected as part of a FIFA All Star team in 1999 we played America to promote the women’s world cup there. For me I was playing with some of the best players in the world and I learnt a lot both on and off the field. Every time I play for England is a highlight. " |
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LMS: What is the best/worst game you have played in and why? |
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SS: "My best game has to be when I scored a hatrick against Spain to score for your country is amazing but to score 3 was a great feeling and something I would like to experience again. For Leeds it was beating Everton in the semi final of the FA cup we beat them on penalties it was just a great team sprit and nice to be part of a team like that. My worst game was getting thrashed by Arsenal in the final of the FA cup. We did so well to get there and then didn’t perform on the day." |
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LMS: Do you have any superstitions or pre-match rituals before a soccer match?
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SS: "Yes if we win the week before I always try and do the same thing like eat the same tea and breakfast. I always put my left boot, shin pad and sock on first. Strange I know!"
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LMS: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved
in women and girls soccer? |
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SS: "I would say go for it women’s football is on the up, there is so much potential I know how much it has improved since I first started playing regarding media coverage, supporters etc and this will only get better! I love playing football and would play all the time if I could. I have always listened to my coaches, wanted to learn and get better and most of all had lots of fun."
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LMS: What are your hobbies/interests when you are not playing soccer? |
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SS: "I love going out for meals, Thai is my favourite. Go to the cinema, music concerts watching TV anything to relax in between training and playing." |
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LMS: In your opinion, how has women's soccer progressed since you first
started
playing and what would you like to see for the future of women's soccer? |
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SS: "It has progressed so much, like I said I had to play for a boy’s team when I first started now there is so many girls teams around, they play in schools and have centre’s of excellence this is a massive plus and the girls will only be better. I would love to see the summer league take off we are always competing with the men’s game, if we played in the summer we wouldn’t have to compete." |
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Little Miss Soccer Forum Member Questions:
Righty:
What was it like working alongside Wayne Rooney in Street Striker?
SS: "It was great working with Rooney obviously he is a fantastic player, but it was
nice to find him very down to earth and a lovley polite young man. We had a real
laugh making the programme and i hope we can do another next year!"
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LMS: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. |
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Visit Sue's Official Website: www.suesmith8.co.uk |
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