Emma Smith
@emmasmithbbc.bsky.social
Award-winning BBC Sport journo | Heard BBC World Service, BBC 5 Live, The Week Unwrapped | Seen BBC News, ABC News | Sports Journalism Association committee member | Manchester Laces goalkeeper coach
Recent studies show the number of women in coaching in the UK has fallen by 6% in recent years - 10% at grassroots - restricting access to sport for teenage girls.
Reasons include course costs, family and sexism - and it is even impacting ex Lionesses.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reasons include course costs, family and sexism - and it is even impacting ex Lionesses.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Women's coaching: Why so many female coaches are quitting
Despite recent on-pitch successes and increased media exposure for women's sport in the UK, major barriers remain - particularly in coaching.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 1, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Recent studies show the number of women in coaching in the UK has fallen by 6% in recent years - 10% at grassroots - restricting access to sport for teenage girls.
Reasons include course costs, family and sexism - and it is even impacting ex Lionesses.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reasons include course costs, family and sexism - and it is even impacting ex Lionesses.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
On a bumper Women's Champions League live text stint for BBC Sport tonight - Paris FC v Arsenal, followed by a potential blockbuster as Lyon host Chelsea.
If you want #UWCL coverage which doesn't feature influencers or rotating studios, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
If you want #UWCL coverage which doesn't feature influencers or rotating studios, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
UEFA Women's Champions League LIVE: Paris FC vs Arsenal & OL Lyonnes vs Chelsea - build-up, team news, score, radio commentary, text updates & match stats
Follow live text updates and listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary as Arsenal face Paris FC ahead of Chelsea's fixture against OL Lyonnes in the Women's Champions League.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 30, 2026 at 4:19 PM
On a bumper Women's Champions League live text stint for BBC Sport tonight - Paris FC v Arsenal, followed by a potential blockbuster as Lyon host Chelsea.
If you want #UWCL coverage which doesn't feature influencers or rotating studios, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
If you want #UWCL coverage which doesn't feature influencers or rotating studios, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Emma Smith
not sure why I made this but now you have to see it
September 30, 2026 at 12:54 AM
not sure why I made this but now you have to see it
Given the news, let's have a real football success story.
Part-timers Whitley Bay (my hometown team) won three straight Wembley finals, inspired by Kevin Keegan and an IT manager.
I spoke to those who made it happen about an incredible achievement.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Part-timers Whitley Bay (my hometown team) won three straight Wembley finals, inspired by Kevin Keegan and an IT manager.
I spoke to those who made it happen about an incredible achievement.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Whitley Bay: The part-timers who won a record three Wembley finals in a row
You probably knew Pep Guardiola's Manchester City won four League Cups on the bounce between 2018 and 2021 – but another side did the silverware hat-trick first.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 30, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Given the news, let's have a real football success story.
Part-timers Whitley Bay (my hometown team) won three straight Wembley finals, inspired by Kevin Keegan and an IT manager.
I spoke to those who made it happen about an incredible achievement.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Part-timers Whitley Bay (my hometown team) won three straight Wembley finals, inspired by Kevin Keegan and an IT manager.
I spoke to those who made it happen about an incredible achievement.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching, sources have told BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City charges latest: Decision made in 115 charges case
Breaking news and reaction to Manchester City declining to comment on 115 charges report.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 25, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching, sources have told BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Emma Smith
it's real. it's actually real. www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Manchester City found guilty on almost all Premier League charges relating to financial breaches (Gift Article)
City were charged by the Premier League in February 2023.
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2026 at 1:47 PM
it's real. it's actually real. www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
The full set of venues for the 2030 Winter Olympic has been confirmed today.
Ice sports in Lyon, snow and sliding events in the French Alps - and speed skating in the Netherlands, as announced back in May.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Ice sports in Lyon, snow and sliding events in the French Alps - and speed skating in the Netherlands, as announced back in May.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
2030 Winter Olympics: Venues confirmed including events in French Alps and Netherlands
The sporting venues for the 2030 Winter Games are confirmed, with events to be held in Lyon and the French Alps - except speed skating, which will take place in the Netherlands.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 16, 2026 at 2:08 PM
The full set of venues for the 2030 Winter Olympic has been confirmed today.
Ice sports in Lyon, snow and sliding events in the French Alps - and speed skating in the Netherlands, as announced back in May.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Ice sports in Lyon, snow and sliding events in the French Alps - and speed skating in the Netherlands, as announced back in May.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Will Alex Zverev reach a third successive Grand Slam final, or with Karen Khachanov cause a major upset?
GET IN - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/c...
GET IN - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/c...
US Open 2026 LIVE: Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov & Frances Tiafoe vs Ben Shelton - scores, radio & live text updates
French Open champion and top seed Alexander Zverev faces Karen Khachanov for a place in the US Open final - follow live.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Will Alex Zverev reach a third successive Grand Slam final, or with Karen Khachanov cause a major upset?
GET IN - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/c...
GET IN - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/c...
Stay up tonight for some top class tennis in the US Open women's singles semi finals - starting with Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for a third straight title, against Jessica Pegula, beaten by Sabalenka in the last two editions of this competition.
Follow live: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
Follow live: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
US Open 2026 LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula & Coco Gauff vs Elena Rybakina - scores, radio & live text updates
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka plays 2024 runner-up Jessica Pegula for a place in the US Open final - follow live.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 10, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Stay up tonight for some top class tennis in the US Open women's singles semi finals - starting with Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for a third straight title, against Jessica Pegula, beaten by Sabalenka in the last two editions of this competition.
Follow live: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
Follow live: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis...
Influencer, boxer and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder
Jake Paul is in Bimingham tonight, on the 5th anniversary of MVP's first event (headlined by Paul). I was alerted to his presence when about 50 kids rushed the VIP area barriers to try and get a selfie.
Jake Paul is in Bimingham tonight, on the 5th anniversary of MVP's first event (headlined by Paul). I was alerted to his presence when about 50 kids rushed the VIP area barriers to try and get a selfie.
August 29, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Influencer, boxer and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder
Jake Paul is in Bimingham tonight, on the 5th anniversary of MVP's first event (headlined by Paul). I was alerted to his presence when about 50 kids rushed the VIP area barriers to try and get a selfie.
Jake Paul is in Bimingham tonight, on the 5th anniversary of MVP's first event (headlined by Paul). I was alerted to his presence when about 50 kids rushed the VIP area barriers to try and get a selfie.
In Birmingham tonight for what should be a great night of women's boxing, headlined by Chantelle Cameron v Mikaela Mayer to unify the WBA, WBC and WBO light middleweight belts.
A shame this has been overshadowed by Itauma-Hrgovic; a stuffed card also features Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
A shame this has been overshadowed by Itauma-Hrgovic; a stuffed card also features Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
August 29, 2026 at 5:29 PM
In Birmingham tonight for what should be a great night of women's boxing, headlined by Chantelle Cameron v Mikaela Mayer to unify the WBA, WBC and WBO light middleweight belts.
A shame this has been overshadowed by Itauma-Hrgovic; a stuffed card also features Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
A shame this has been overshadowed by Itauma-Hrgovic; a stuffed card also features Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
5 years ago, MVP entered boxing with a headline act between Jake Paul and an MMA fighter.
This weekend, they celebrate the anniversary with a card full of the best female fighters, regarded as the UK's best promotors of women's boxing.
How did that happen?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing...
This weekend, they celebrate the anniversary with a card full of the best female fighters, regarded as the UK's best promotors of women's boxing.
How did that happen?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing...
Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron: Five years from influencers to queens of women's boxing for upstart promoters
On Saturday, Most Valuable Promotions celebrates its fifth anniversary. One of the feistiest upstarts in modern boxing has given a new platform to the world's best female fighters.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 26, 2026 at 11:24 AM
5 years ago, MVP entered boxing with a headline act between Jake Paul and an MMA fighter.
This weekend, they celebrate the anniversary with a card full of the best female fighters, regarded as the UK's best promotors of women's boxing.
How did that happen?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing...
This weekend, they celebrate the anniversary with a card full of the best female fighters, regarded as the UK's best promotors of women's boxing.
How did that happen?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing...
After a poor WSL campaign and several first team players departing, Aston Villa have looked across the North Sea for inspiration.
I spoke to new signings Mathilde Harviken and Justine Kielland - among others - about Villa's Scandinavian revolution
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I spoke to new signings Mathilde Harviken and Justine Kielland - among others - about Villa's Scandinavian revolution
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Women's Super League: Inside Aston Villa's Scandinavian revolution
Aston Villa, following a disappointing ninth place finish in the Women's Super League last season, have replaced several departed senior players by transplanting a new Scandinavian heart into their te...
www.bbc.co.uk
August 19, 2026 at 7:57 AM
After a poor WSL campaign and several first team players departing, Aston Villa have looked across the North Sea for inspiration.
I spoke to new signings Mathilde Harviken and Justine Kielland - among others - about Villa's Scandinavian revolution
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I spoke to new signings Mathilde Harviken and Justine Kielland - among others - about Villa's Scandinavian revolution
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Popped up on Total Sport across BBC Local Radio to talk about the European Athletics Championships, including the British medal hopes tonight - have a listen here from the 15.32 mark: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radio London - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
Listen live to Radio London on BBC Sounds
www.bbc.co.uk
August 15, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Popped up on Total Sport across BBC Local Radio to talk about the European Athletics Championships, including the British medal hopes tonight - have a listen here from the 15.32 mark: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Emma Smith
Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone says she will always be "grateful" to former manager Marc Skinner after he helped her through the death of her father.
"Me & Marc worked together for 5 years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"Me & Marc worked together for 5 years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Marc Skinner: Ella Toone 'grateful' for ex-manager after his Man Utd departure
Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone says she will always be "grateful" to former manager Marc Skinner after he helped her through the death of her father.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 4, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone says she will always be "grateful" to former manager Marc Skinner after he helped her through the death of her father.
"Me & Marc worked together for 5 years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"Me & Marc worked together for 5 years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person".
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Tributes have been paid to surfer Arran Strong, as searches for the Briton who went missing off the coast of Portugal were called off.
Strong, 28, was the highest ranked Brit in the last two editions of the World Surfing Games.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/surfin...
Strong, 28, was the highest ranked Brit in the last two editions of the World Surfing Games.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/surfin...
Arran Strong: Tributes paid as search called off for British surfer lost at sea
Tributes are paid to surfer Arran Strong, after searches for the Brit who went missing off the coast of Portugal were called off.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 30, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Tributes have been paid to surfer Arran Strong, as searches for the Briton who went missing off the coast of Portugal were called off.
Strong, 28, was the highest ranked Brit in the last two editions of the World Surfing Games.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/surfin...
Strong, 28, was the highest ranked Brit in the last two editions of the World Surfing Games.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/surfin...
On ABC News with Girish Sawlani talking Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa tournaments - plus what the response could be, including the chance of a Uefa boycott, as well as how Infantino's links to Donald Trump could be a factor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-SH...
Euro fury at FIFA plan to sell a World Cup stake | The World | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
www.youtube.com
July 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM
On ABC News with Girish Sawlani talking Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa tournaments - plus what the response could be, including the chance of a Uefa boycott, as well as how Infantino's links to Donald Trump could be a factor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-SH...
Paralympic medallist Daphne Schrager insists she has "never cheated" after being given a two-year ban following a positive test for a banned substance.
The back-dated ban ends next year, meaning cyclist Schrager could compete at the 2028 Paralympics.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
The back-dated ban ends next year, meaning cyclist Schrager could compete at the 2028 Paralympics.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
Daphne Schrager: GB Paralympian given two-year ban after failed drug test
Paralympic medallist Daphne Schrager insists she has "never cheated" after being given a two-year ban following an "unintentional" positive test for a banned substance.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 24, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Paralympic medallist Daphne Schrager insists she has "never cheated" after being given a two-year ban following a positive test for a banned substance.
The back-dated ban ends next year, meaning cyclist Schrager could compete at the 2028 Paralympics.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
The back-dated ban ends next year, meaning cyclist Schrager could compete at the 2028 Paralympics.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
The FA say a viral video of England under-16 players scuffling was caused by an "internal matter" which was "quickly resolved".
The footage comes from a training camp in Turkey in late 2025 and has led to strong fan backlash online.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The footage comes from a training camp in Turkey in late 2025 and has led to strong fan backlash online.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
England Under-16s fight in Turkey resolved quickly - FA
The FA says a fight between two players at an England Under-16s camp was caused by an "internal matter".
www.bbc.co.uk
July 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM
The FA say a viral video of England under-16 players scuffling was caused by an "internal matter" which was "quickly resolved".
The footage comes from a training camp in Turkey in late 2025 and has led to strong fan backlash online.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The footage comes from a training camp in Turkey in late 2025 and has led to strong fan backlash online.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Describing a result as a ‘victory for football’ might seem like a trite cliché – but the 2026 World Cup final feels closer to giving that aphorism truth than any other game.
By every football and moral metric, Spain deserved to beat Argentina.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
By every football and moral metric, Spain deserved to beat Argentina.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
World Cup 2026: Spain's 'victory for football' over 'embarrassing' Argentina
Describing a result as a 'victory for football' might seem like a trite cliché – but the 2026 World Cup final feels closer to giving that aphorism truth than any other game.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 20, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Describing a result as a ‘victory for football’ might seem like a trite cliché – but the 2026 World Cup final feels closer to giving that aphorism truth than any other game.
By every football and moral metric, Spain deserved to beat Argentina.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
By every football and moral metric, Spain deserved to beat Argentina.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mbappe becomes the 1st player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
He is top scorer in back to back WCs after Messi, the only man who could catch him, failed to score in the final.
Mbappe is also World Cup all-time top scorer with 22 - 1 ahead of Messi.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
He is top scorer in back to back WCs after Messi, the only man who could catch him, failed to score in the final.
Mbappe is also World Cup all-time top scorer with 22 - 1 ahead of Messi.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe becomes first player to win Golden Boot twice
Kylian Mbappe has become the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice after earning the award for top scorer at the 2026 tournament.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 19, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Mbappe becomes the 1st player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
He is top scorer in back to back WCs after Messi, the only man who could catch him, failed to score in the final.
Mbappe is also World Cup all-time top scorer with 22 - 1 ahead of Messi.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
He is top scorer in back to back WCs after Messi, the only man who could catch him, failed to score in the final.
Mbappe is also World Cup all-time top scorer with 22 - 1 ahead of Messi.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Emma Smith
If this holds, Spain will be the only nation to hold both senior World Cups at the same time
July 19, 2026 at 9:52 PM
If this holds, Spain will be the only nation to hold both senior World Cups at the same time
Supporters are facing hours of queues to get into New York/New Jersey Stadium amid heightened security for the 2026 World Cup final.
Increased security is partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Increased security is partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
World Cup 2026: Donald Trump attendance means hours of queues for final in New Jersey
Supporters are facing hours of queues to get into New York New Jersey Stadium amid heightened security for the 2026 World Cup final.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 19, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Supporters are facing hours of queues to get into New York/New Jersey Stadium amid heightened security for the 2026 World Cup final.
Increased security is partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Increased security is partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
You know what, I think the World Cup bronze match is a good idea after all.
Report on France 4-6 England, probably the most absurd and most entertaining game I have ever witnessed
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Report on France 4-6 England, probably the most absurd and most entertaining game I have ever witnessed
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
England vs France LIVE: Watch World Cup third place playoff final stream - score, commentary & updates
Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from France vs England in the third place final of the FIFA World Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 18, 2026 at 11:20 PM
You know what, I think the World Cup bronze match is a good idea after all.
Report on France 4-6 England, probably the most absurd and most entertaining game I have ever witnessed
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Report on France 4-6 England, probably the most absurd and most entertaining game I have ever witnessed
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...