Latest news with #KirstySmith
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Erin Cuthbert teams up with Specsavers to launch Best Worst Pitch campaign to help grassroots clubs
The Scotland star is bidding to help with the new campaign. Irvine footballer Erin Cuthbert has teamed up with Scotland team-mate Kirsty Smith in a new partnership with Specsavers. The initiative, called Best Worst Pitch, aims to provide 50 teams who are most in need of a helping hand with things like professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner. The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men's and women's game. Erin, who is coming off a sixth successive Women's Super League title with Chelsea, said: 'I called my papa 'Net Man'. He's no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out. 'It's little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It's absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.' Scotland team-mate Kirsty, who plays club football for West Ham United, added: 'Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It's important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running. 'I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn't hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are. 'This is a campaign I'm really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.' In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs, aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Specsavers partner with Scotland internationals Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch Best Worst Pitch Campaign
The new initiative aims to breathe new life into underfunded grassroots football pitches across the country. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Specsavers has partnered with Scottish international stars, Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative. Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide 50 teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play. Erin Cuthbert is backing the search for Scotland's Best Worst Pitch Kirsty Smith said: 'Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It's important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running. 'I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn't hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are. 'This is a campaign I'm really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its' sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner. The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men's and women's game. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Erin Cuthbert added: 'I called my papa 'Net Man'. He's no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out. 'It's little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It's absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.' Specsavers have also documented the difficulties of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign, highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand's long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community. Speaking about the struggles of pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's a real slog sometimes. Every week, rain or shine, I'm out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked. 'The equipment we've got is ancient - it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. 'On dark evenings or when the wind's howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club, it means everything to the community.' In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs, aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come. Kim Bull, Specsavers' PR and Social Lead, said: 'Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we've noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. 'People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about. 'This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley. By making faded lines more visible, we're helping players to see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club's football pitch, apply online
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scotland lose Kerr as McAulay and Smith added
Bayern Munich midfielder Sam Kerr has dropped out of the Scotland squad for the Women's Nations League matches against Austria and the Netherlands, with Kirsty Smith and uncapped Mia McAulay drafted in. Full-back Smith, who has been released by West Ham United, had originally been dropped from the squad - the first to be named by new national head coach Melissa Andreatta - but the 31-year-old will now have the chance to add to her 62 caps. McAulay is fresh from a starring role in Rangers' Scottish Cup final 3-0 victory over Glasgow City, the 18-year-old forward scoring the opening goal at Hampden Park on Sunday. Scotland entertain Austria at the same venue on Friday needing a two-goal victory to retain a chance of avoiding relegation from League A - a match being shown live on BBC Alba. Andreatta will then take her side to Tilburg next Tuesday to face the Dutch, with that game being live on the BBC Scotland TV channel. Scotland captain Rachel Corsie will make her international exit over the two games, the 35-year-old centre-half with 154 caps having decided to retire after nearly a year's absence through a knee injury that has left her with "chronic pain" and having been released by Aston Villa. 'Chronic pain' forces Scotland captain Corsie to retire Rangers end week of hurt with more commanding cup success Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (Rosengard), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City), Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit). Defenders: Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Rachel Corsie (unattached), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Rachel McLauchlan (Rangers), Amy Muir (Glasgow City), Kirsty Smith (unattached). Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Lauren Davidson (Brann), Freya Gregory (Newcastle United), Brogan Hay (Rangers), Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Emma Watson (Manchester United), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid). Forwards: Kirsty Howat (Rangers), Mia McAuley (Rangers), Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian), Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur). Scottish Football Association
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Scotland lose Kerr as McAulay and Smith added
Bayern Munich midfielder Sam Kerr has dropped out of the Scotland squad for the Women's Nations League matches against Austria and the Netherlands, with Kirsty Smith and uncapped Mia McAulay drafted Smith, who has been released by West Ham United, had originally been dropped from the squad - the first to be named by new national head coach Melissa Andreatta - but the 31-year-old will now have the chance to add to her 62 is fresh from a starring role in Rangers' Scottish Cup final 3-0 victory over Glasgow City, the 18-year-old forward scoring the opening goal at Hampden Park on entertain Austria at the same venue on Friday needing a two-goal victory to retain a chance of avoiding relegation from League A - a match being shown live on BBC will then take her side to Tilburg next Tuesday to face the Dutch, with that game being live on the BBC Scotland TV captain Rachel Corsie will make her international exit over the two games, the 35-year-old centre-half with 154 caps having decided to retire after nearly a year's absence through a knee injury that has left her with "chronic pain" and having been released by Aston Villa. Scotland squad Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (Rosengard), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City), Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit).Defenders: Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Rachel Corsie (unattached), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Rachel McLauchlan (Rangers), Amy Muir (Glasgow City), Kirsty Smith (unattached).Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Lauren Davidson (Brann), Freya Gregory (Newcastle United), Brogan Hay (Rangers), Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Emma Watson (Manchester United), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid).Forwards: Kirsty Howat (Rangers), Mia McAuley (Rangers), Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian), Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur).
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five players to leave West Ham United this summer
West Ham United have revealed that five first team players will be leaving the club this summer. The Hammers announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning. It has been confirmed that Marika Bergman Lundin, Shannon Cooke, Emma Harries, Kirsty Smith and Katelin Talbert will all be leaving The Chigwell Construction Stadium when their contracts come to an end next month. Advertisement Full-back Smith is the most notable departure with the player having featured consistently for The Hammers in the last three seasons. Bergman Lundin, Cooke and Harries have also made significant contributions to West Ham United's successes while goalkeeper Talbert has spent most of her career in East London out on loan. Speaking after the club's released list was announced, West Ham United manager Rehanne Skinner said 'On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to thank the departing players for their contributions to West Ham United during their time in East London and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.' In addition to the first team departures, five members of the West Ham United Professional Game Academy League squad are also moving on. Those players are Ruby Doe, Ellie Moore, Marnie Morrison, Macey Nicholls and Daniella Way.
