Kelly the tomboy, hoping for world cup glory
Even at the age of six she had all the makings of a footballer.
But no one could have guessed that Kelly Smith would go on to become England's star player at the Women's World Cup.
The Arsenal Ladies striker will be leading the line against the US in a quarter-final match in China tomorrow.
Speaking to the Evening Standard from the team's base in the Far East, Smith, 28, said she had received hundreds of phone calls, emails and text messages from wellwishers back home, including Steven Gerrard and David James.
Smith, who was born in Watford and as a young child went to bed with a football instead of a teddy bear, has scored four goals in the tournament so far, including two in England's 6- 1 thrashing of Argentina.
She said: "All footballers dream of representing their country at a world cup. It has been an amazing experience. We are excited but confident we can get to the semi-finals.
"Some people didn't expect us to even get this far, but we have pulled together as a team."
Her mother, Carol, 53, a greetings card merchandiser from Watford, recalled that when her daughter was eight she cut her hair short so that she could play for a boys' team.
She was a star player for Garston Boys for nearly two years, scoring countless goals, until she was booted off the team when other parents realised she was a girl and complained to the coach.
Mrs Smith said: "Kelly was heartbroken. She kept saying, 'It's not fair, mum. How come girls can't play?' She was only about 10 and no one then thought girls could play football, but she is very determined.
"She was a tomboy - it was always a battle to get her into dresses. She lived in football gear or tracksuits."
She said her husband, Bernard, a painter and decorator, and son Glen both played football, "so that's all there ever was in our house - muddy kits or watching Arsenal".
Smith, an Arsenal fan whose favourite player was Ian Wright, realised her dream of playing for the club when she was 14. It meant her father had to drive her twice a week to Highbury for training and games with the then fledgling Arsenal Ladies.
She made her England debut at 17 and has clocked up nearly 70 international appearances, scoring more than 20 goals.
When she was 18, three American colleges tried to recruit Smith before she chose Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
There, she set scoring records in a competitive league and was voted newcomer of the year and player of the year in the same season. She returned to Arsenal in 2004 after three seasons playing professional football with the Philadelphia Charge in the Women's United Soccer Association-After recovering from a career-threatening knee injury, she helped Arsenal clinch the Premier League title in 2005-06.
Last season, she scored 30 goals that helped the club win the championship, both cups and the UEFA Women's Cup.
Smith commutes from her home in Hatfield to Arsenal, where she coaches girls. Her mother said: "Kelly is so quiet. The only place she likes being the centre of attention is on the pitch.
"That's why I admire her even more for pushing herself into the spotlight and becoming a role model for other girls. It doesn't come easily to her."
She added: "I get a lump in my throat every time I see Kelly wearing an England shirt. It's more than pride. Her dad's out there in China, and the rest of the family will be hoping England can do it tomorrow."
