Camden Sports: Ladies Football | Kelly Smith | Julie Fleeting

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Camden New Journal - by CATHERINE ETOE
Published: 19 June 2008

Gunner Girls in Birthday Honours

MBEs for internationals Kelly Smith and Julie Fleeting

AS stars for both their club and countries, footballers Kelly Smith and Julie Fleeting have influenced games, plundered goals, hit the headlines and won a string of titles – including the prestigious European Cup.
But now the two Arsenal Ladies hot-shots can add an extra gong to their trophy cabinets after being awarded MBEs for their services to women’s football.
“I’m shocked but delighted and pleased that I’ve got some recognition for myself and the women’s game,” Smith told the New Journal. “It’s going to be a big occasion for me and my family when I go to collect it.”
England striker Smith, 29, (above left) and Scotland skipper Fleeting, 27, first cut their teeth in the beautiful game while playing for boys’ sides.
Girls’ teams and country call-ups followed and over the past decade the two have inspired youngsters at home and abroad.
Both have the distinction of being the only British women to have played professionally in America.
And since teaming up with Arsenal three and four years ago respectively, Smith and Fleeting, along with previous MBE winners Rachel Yankey and Faye White, have helped the club secure a string of trophies.
“There are four of us to have received this for our services to women’s football, so we feel like we are doing something right as individuals and as a club,” added Smith. Assistant Arsenal Ladies academy director Smith has done plenty right – she has 71 England caps, is ranked fourth in the world by FIFA and was recently named Nationwide England player of the year.
PE teacher Fleeting has also hit the international headlines as Scotland’s most prolific scorer with 103 goals in 104 appearances. Her determination to play for Arsenal is also inspirational – Scotland-based Fleeting faces a seven-hour drive plus two plane journeys just to make it to matches.

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