Kate Smith was recently named Cumberland FA’s Coach of the Year (Female Pathway) – and with good reason.
Having been involved in football for most of her life, Kate has become a driving force in revolutionising women’s walking football in Cumbria.
Less than three years ago, she joined the men’s walking football sessions at St Joseph’s in Workington while recovering from a serious ACL injury.
She quickly realised there were no opportunities for women locally – apart from a single team in Carlisle – so she decided to create one herself.
Now, just 18 months later, Kate’s club has grown to more than 30 players who regularly compete in tournaments across the UK and abroad, since fixtures within the county remain limited.
Kate’s passion for football is matched only by her determination to open doors for others.
She has helped other towns set up teams, organised women-only festivals, and successfully campaigned for inclusive league changes.
It’s no surprise that when she received her Cumberland FA award, the citation read: “Kate isn’t just a coach – she’s a game-changer.”
Her efforts have already been recognised nationally too: she has received an award from Chelsea Ladies in partnership with Three Mobile for services to women’s football, and even had the chance to play at Wembley through the FA Grassroots scheme.
Born in Manchester and raised in Lytham St Anne’s, Kate’s football journey began on the street, kicking a ball around with her brother.
At school, there were no girls’ teams, so she needed special permission to play with the boys – a challenge she embraced and thrived in.
After school she served 12 years in the RAF, playing for forces teams as well as local clubs wherever she was stationed.
Moving to Workington in 2013 with her husband, she balanced family life – raising four football-loving sons -with her own playing career, featuring for Workington Diamonds, Allerdale Wildcats and Whitehaven.
A serious ACL injury might have ended things, but walking football provided the perfect way to recover and stay involved.
What began as rehab training soon led to a call-up to the England Over-40s Walking Football squad, with her first international cap set to come in November when England play in Cyprus.
“I’ve been a centre-back most of my life, but at walking football I’ve moved into midfield and I’m loving it,” Kate told Cumbria Crack.
“I’m passionate about the sport and how good it can be for women of all ages. We’ve got players in their 60s playing with us – it really is football for everyone. Cumbria has been a little behind, but we’re catching up fast.”
Kate is also breaking barriers as Cumbria’s only female FA-qualified walking football referee.
She is due to take part in a charity tournament in Wakefield in October, where she will play in a referees only team and help officiate other matches on the day.
Walking football has already become one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports for men.
Thanks to Kate Smith’s dedication, energy, and vision, women in Cumbria are now being given the same opportunities to play, compete, and fall in love with the game.
