Sports and Public Service students from Doncaster College had the chance to hear some top footy tips from two of women’s football brightest stars this week in a coaching session.
Kelly Smith and Kim Little, who both play for Arsenal Ladies, are in Doncaster this week for the 2013 FA Women’s Cup Final against Bristol Academy. May, at the Keepmoat Stadium, the home of Doncaster Rovers, kick off is at 3pm.thThe game is on Sunday 26
They were on hand to offer their expertise in a session at the Keepmoat, which was run by Gemma Gale, Girls’ & Women’s Football Development Officer at Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA.
During the 90-minute session students received sound advice from Kelly and Kim on defensive duties, attacking play and shooting.
The students had the chance to ask questions and also meet the Women’s FA WSL Mascot ‘Berry the Bear’ and have pictures taken with Women’s FA Cup.
Pete Holmes, Sports Lecturer at the College said,
“It was a great opportunity to be coached by 2 elite players, who both represented Team GB in the Olympics and ask questions about their lives and football careers. Girls in particular seem to struggle when it comes to naming female sporting role models; so perhaps today will have helped to inspire them. Hopefully we can build on it and develop a girl’s football team at College (with the help of the new College Sport maker, Craig Robinson). All seem to be thrilled to have their pictures taken with Kelly and Kim and the FA Cup. They were all on Twitter and Facebook straight after to tell all their friends.”
Kelly Smith is a star of the world game and has accumulated over 100 caps for England since making her debut in 1995 and is England's record goalscorer with 45 goals. She also played for Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics. Kim also played for Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics being one of two Scots picked for the side.