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
Absolutely delighted to win the EDI Award at the Football Content Awards tonight - in this year of all years, to win an award based both on jury and public vote means a lot.
Looking forward to covering more of the stories which matter for everyone, with plenty planned in 2026 - watch this space.
Looking forward to covering more of the stories which matter for everyone, with plenty planned in 2026 - watch this space.
November 20, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Absolutely delighted to win the EDI Award at the Football Content Awards tonight - in this year of all years, to win an award based both on jury and public vote means a lot.
Looking forward to covering more of the stories which matter for everyone, with plenty planned in 2026 - watch this space.
Looking forward to covering more of the stories which matter for everyone, with plenty planned in 2026 - watch this space.
Reposted by Emma Smith
Haiti's qualification for the 2026 World Cup means there are now two nations going to the tournament whose citizens are subject to US travel bans.
November 19, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Haiti's qualification for the 2026 World Cup means there are now two nations going to the tournament whose citizens are subject to US travel bans.
Exclusive: Neck guards will be mandatory for ice hockey players at the 2026 Winter Olympics following the death of Adam Johnson.
It will be the first time many NHL and Elite League players have worn them, as they are not mandatory in those leagues.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-ho...
It will be the first time many NHL and Elite League players have worn them, as they are not mandatory in those leagues.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-ho...
2026 Winter Olympics: Neck guards to be mandatory in ice hockey events
Players will wear neck guards at the 2026 Winter Olympics for the first time, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) confirms.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Exclusive: Neck guards will be mandatory for ice hockey players at the 2026 Winter Olympics following the death of Adam Johnson.
It will be the first time many NHL and Elite League players have worn them, as they are not mandatory in those leagues.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-ho...
It will be the first time many NHL and Elite League players have worn them, as they are not mandatory in those leagues.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-ho...
One of the best World Cup stories is Haiti qualifying for the first time in 52 years despite civil war - which means their manager has visited the nation he coaches.
I spoke to Haiti manager Sebastian Migne last year - this is a dream realised: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
I spoke to Haiti manager Sebastian Migne last year - this is a dream realised: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Haiti: International football's real impossible job
Sebastien Migne is the new manager of Haiti - where large parts of the country are effectively lawless. So has he taken on the impossible job?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 8:13 AM
One of the best World Cup stories is Haiti qualifying for the first time in 52 years despite civil war - which means their manager has visited the nation he coaches.
I spoke to Haiti manager Sebastian Migne last year - this is a dream realised: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
I spoke to Haiti manager Sebastian Migne last year - this is a dream realised: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
132,418 fans across the three games. Australians partying in Liverpool and Edinburgh. Selfies with Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh.
For fans, the Rugby League Ashes was a hit. But will it happen again - and if so, how can England be more competitive?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
For fans, the Rugby League Ashes was a hit. But will it happen again - and if so, how can England be more competitive?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Rugby League Ashes: Is revived England v Australia series here to stay?
England's Rugby League Ashes experience ended in a 3-0 series defeat - but is that proof they need more games against Australia? And will they get them?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
132,418 fans across the three games. Australians partying in Liverpool and Edinburgh. Selfies with Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh.
For fans, the Rugby League Ashes was a hit. But will it happen again - and if so, how can England be more competitive?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
For fans, the Rugby League Ashes was a hit. But will it happen again - and if so, how can England be more competitive?
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Joe Burgess will play for England for the first time in 10 years in the final Rugby League Ashes Test this Saturday.
Coach Shaun Wane has no qualms about picking Burgess after he reposted comments by far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Coach Shaun Wane has no qualms about picking Burgess after he reposted comments by far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Rugby League Ashes: Joe Burgess to make first England appearance in 10 years
Joe Burgess will make his first international appearance for a decade after being named in the 19-man England squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Joe Burgess will play for England for the first time in 10 years in the final Rugby League Ashes Test this Saturday.
Coach Shaun Wane has no qualms about picking Burgess after he reposted comments by far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Coach Shaun Wane has no qualms about picking Burgess after he reposted comments by far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
When it comes to putting blood, sweat and tears into the Rugby League Ashes, Matty Lees has taken it more literally than most.
Spoke to him about fracturing his eye socket days before the first Test, and balancing camp life with his new-born daughter.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Spoke to him about fracturing his eye socket days before the first Test, and balancing camp life with his new-born daughter.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Matty Lees: Fractured eye socket and baby daughter make for unusual Rugby League Ashes
Matty Lees' Rugby League Ashes campaign has featured the pain of a fractured eye socket and the joy of a new baby daughter - all mixed in with frustration on the field.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 PM
When it comes to putting blood, sweat and tears into the Rugby League Ashes, Matty Lees has taken it more literally than most.
Spoke to him about fracturing his eye socket days before the first Test, and balancing camp life with his new-born daughter.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Spoke to him about fracturing his eye socket days before the first Test, and balancing camp life with his new-born daughter.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
It was supposed to be the beginning of a three-part showdown between England and Australia, a Wembley showcase of rugby league. It turned into the Reece Walsh show.
Here's the lowdown on the superstar compared to LeBron James and Justin Bieber: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Here's the lowdown on the superstar compared to LeBron James and Justin Bieber: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Reece Walsh: The 'Justin Bieber of rugby league' tormenting England
First came the astonishing NRL Grand Final performance, then the starring display on his Australia debut against England. October has been Reece Walsh's month - will November bring more accolades?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 8:05 AM
It was supposed to be the beginning of a three-part showdown between England and Australia, a Wembley showcase of rugby league. It turned into the Reece Walsh show.
Here's the lowdown on the superstar compared to LeBron James and Justin Bieber: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Here's the lowdown on the superstar compared to LeBron James and Justin Bieber: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Reposted by Emma Smith
Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij spoke to me about her personal journey with her sexuality, her support for LGBTQ+ and why she wants to “continue spreading love”. ✍🏻 👇🏻 #mcfc
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij: 'Being gay didn't feel normal, until I became a footballer'
Manchester City's Kerstin Casparij always knew she
www.bbc.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij spoke to me about her personal journey with her sexuality, her support for LGBTQ+ and why she wants to “continue spreading love”. ✍🏻 👇🏻 #mcfc
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
In the last rugby league Ashes series in 2003, Australia won all three matches by six points or fewer.
In 2022, England suffered golden point heartache at their home World Cup.
England need to break their late loss curse - and Shaun Wane knows it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
In 2022, England suffered golden point heartache at their home World Cup.
England need to break their late loss curse - and Shaun Wane knows it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Rugby League Ashes: England aim to avoid late loss curse at Wembley
England must avoid a repeat of past agonies with late defeats if they are to win the first Rugby League Ashes series for 22 years, says coach Shaun Wane.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 4:53 PM
In the last rugby league Ashes series in 2003, Australia won all three matches by six points or fewer.
In 2022, England suffered golden point heartache at their home World Cup.
England need to break their late loss curse - and Shaun Wane knows it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
In 2022, England suffered golden point heartache at their home World Cup.
England need to break their late loss curse - and Shaun Wane knows it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
At Wembley, American football is out...
October 21, 2025 at 11:55 AM
At Wembley, American football is out...
At Emirates Stadium today for Arsenal v Brighton in the WSL. The Gunners need a win to avoid their worst league start in 11 years. Daphne van Domselaar keeps her place in goal despite recent errors.
October 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
At Emirates Stadium today for Arsenal v Brighton in the WSL. The Gunners need a win to avoid their worst league start in 11 years. Daphne van Domselaar keeps her place in goal despite recent errors.
136 days ago, Arsenal won the Women's Champions League.
Tonight, they begin their title defence against Lyon, who they so memorably beat in the semis last season.
Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead both start, follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Tonight, they begin their title defence against Lyon, who they so memorably beat in the semis last season.
Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead both start, follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal vs Lyon LIVE: UEFA Women's Champions League LIVE - text, radio commentary, stats & head-to-head
Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Arsenal vs OL Lyonnes in the UEFA Women's Champions League
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
136 days ago, Arsenal won the Women's Champions League.
Tonight, they begin their title defence against Lyon, who they so memorably beat in the semis last season.
Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead both start, follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Tonight, they begin their title defence against Lyon, who they so memorably beat in the semis last season.
Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead both start, follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
EXCLUSIVE: Former WSL star Ashleigh Plumptre on life as a female footballer in Saudi Arabia, on:
- Feeling safer as a woman in Saudi than the UK
- Regrets at hurting LGBT friends and fans
- Initially turning the move down
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
- Feeling safer as a woman in Saudi than the UK
- Regrets at hurting LGBT friends and fans
- Initially turning the move down
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ashleigh Plumptre: 'I deeply hurt people by moving to Saudi Arabia'
In an interview with BBC Sport, Ashleigh Plumptre says she regrets losing the trust of some LGBT fans in women's football by moving to Saudi Arabia.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 8:10 AM
EXCLUSIVE: Former WSL star Ashleigh Plumptre on life as a female footballer in Saudi Arabia, on:
- Feeling safer as a woman in Saudi than the UK
- Regrets at hurting LGBT friends and fans
- Initially turning the move down
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
- Feeling safer as a woman in Saudi than the UK
- Regrets at hurting LGBT friends and fans
- Initially turning the move down
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Nine games, nine defeats. Three goals scored, 24 conceded.
Just why have Liverpool and West Ham been so dire this season?
My WSL autopsy for BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Just why have Liverpool and West Ham been so dire this season?
My WSL autopsy for BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool and West Ham: Nine games, nine losses for dire WSL bottom two
Nine games, nine defeats. Three goals scored, 24 conceded. The combined records of Liverpool and West Ham United in the Women's Super League make very bleak reading.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 5, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Nine games, nine defeats. Three goals scored, 24 conceded.
Just why have Liverpool and West Ham been so dire this season?
My WSL autopsy for BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Just why have Liverpool and West Ham been so dire this season?
My WSL autopsy for BBC Sport.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Anti-racism gestures in Sunday's WSL fixtures:
Spurs v Brighton - Spurs did not take knee, Brighton did
London City v Liverpool - both sides took knee
Leicester v Everton - both sides took knee
West Ham v Villa - both teams joined arms in centre circle
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Spurs v Brighton - Spurs did not take knee, Brighton did
London City v Liverpool - both sides took knee
Leicester v Everton - both sides took knee
West Ham v Villa - both teams joined arms in centre circle
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Tottenham Hotspur: Taking the knee 'no longer feels meaningful'
Tottenham did not take the knee before Sunday's Women's Super League match because the anti-racism gesture
www.bbc.co.uk
October 5, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Anti-racism gestures in Sunday's WSL fixtures:
Spurs v Brighton - Spurs did not take knee, Brighton did
London City v Liverpool - both sides took knee
Leicester v Everton - both sides took knee
West Ham v Villa - both teams joined arms in centre circle
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Spurs v Brighton - Spurs did not take knee, Brighton did
London City v Liverpool - both sides took knee
Leicester v Everton - both sides took knee
West Ham v Villa - both teams joined arms in centre circle
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Of all the decisions I've ever made, travelling to Macclesfield via rail replacement buses in a storm ranks as one of my worst.
But I'm here in one piece, ticking off another ground in Moss Rose for Macclesfield v. Marine in National League North.
But I'm here in one piece, ticking off another ground in Moss Rose for Macclesfield v. Marine in National League North.
October 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Of all the decisions I've ever made, travelling to Macclesfield via rail replacement buses in a storm ranks as one of my worst.
But I'm here in one piece, ticking off another ground in Moss Rose for Macclesfield v. Marine in National League North.
But I'm here in one piece, ticking off another ground in Moss Rose for Macclesfield v. Marine in National League North.
Delighted to be back on BBC World Service tonight previewing the weekend's Premier League action alongside Lee James and John Bennett - in particular the various issues facing Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Have a listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Have a listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Sport Today - 2025/10/03 GMT - BBC Sounds
BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Delighted to be back on BBC World Service tonight previewing the weekend's Premier League action alongside Lee James and John Bennett - in particular the various issues facing Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Have a listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Have a listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Despite the best efforts of Storm Amy, second v first in the WSL is on tonight and should be a cracker.
I'm on the live text of Man Utd v Chelsea for BBC Sport, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm on the live text of Man Utd v Chelsea for BBC Sport, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man Utd vs Chelsea LIVE: Watch WSL stream, text commentary, stats & head-to-head
Watch, follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Manchester United vs Chelsea in the Women's Super League.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Despite the best efforts of Storm Amy, second v first in the WSL is on tonight and should be a cracker.
I'm on the live text of Man Utd v Chelsea for BBC Sport, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm on the live text of Man Utd v Chelsea for BBC Sport, follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Emma Smith
Out now!
@catmackenzie048.bsky.social, Anne Butzelaar and @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social look back at
❌ Two points dropped for Arsenal
Solid showing for Manchester United.
🗣️Andre Jeglertz and Jocelyn Precheur post-match interviews
Forest Fire in WSL2.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ArA...
@catmackenzie048.bsky.social, Anne Butzelaar and @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social look back at
❌ Two points dropped for Arsenal
Solid showing for Manchester United.
🗣️Andre Jeglertz and Jocelyn Precheur post-match interviews
Forest Fire in WSL2.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ArA...
Under Precheur?
open.spotify.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Out now!
@catmackenzie048.bsky.social, Anne Butzelaar and @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social look back at
❌ Two points dropped for Arsenal
Solid showing for Manchester United.
🗣️Andre Jeglertz and Jocelyn Precheur post-match interviews
Forest Fire in WSL2.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ArA...
@catmackenzie048.bsky.social, Anne Butzelaar and @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social look back at
❌ Two points dropped for Arsenal
Solid showing for Manchester United.
🗣️Andre Jeglertz and Jocelyn Precheur post-match interviews
Forest Fire in WSL2.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ArA...
Have Arsenal blown their WSL title bid already?
That might sound like overblown clickbait at first - but when chasing perfect Chelsea with a misfiring attack and predictable subs, there is truth behind the bluster.
Post #ARSAVL piece for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
That might sound like overblown clickbait at first - but when chasing perfect Chelsea with a misfiring attack and predictable subs, there is truth behind the bluster.
Post #ARSAVL piece for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal: With four points dropped, have the Gunners blown their WSL title bid already?
At first glance the question posed in the headline of this piece seems ridiculous, but scratch below the surface and there is substance.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Have Arsenal blown their WSL title bid already?
That might sound like overblown clickbait at first - but when chasing perfect Chelsea with a misfiring attack and predictable subs, there is truth behind the bluster.
Post #ARSAVL piece for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
That might sound like overblown clickbait at first - but when chasing perfect Chelsea with a misfiring attack and predictable subs, there is truth behind the bluster.
Post #ARSAVL piece for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Question: What does a trans girl need when the Progesterone really hits?
Answer:
Answer:
September 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Question: What does a trans girl need when the Progesterone really hits?
Answer:
Answer:
Delighted to be nominated on the Women's Football and EDI categories at the Football Content Awards 2025!
It's 50% based on fan votes, so please consider voting for me here - if you're a fan of my work, it would mean an awful lot: footballcontentawards.com/voting
It's 50% based on fan votes, so please consider voting for me here - if you're a fan of my work, it would mean an awful lot: footballcontentawards.com/voting
FCAs Voting - Football Content Awards
Read more…
footballcontentawards.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Delighted to be nominated on the Women's Football and EDI categories at the Football Content Awards 2025!
It's 50% based on fan votes, so please consider voting for me here - if you're a fan of my work, it would mean an awful lot: footballcontentawards.com/voting
It's 50% based on fan votes, so please consider voting for me here - if you're a fan of my work, it would mean an awful lot: footballcontentawards.com/voting
Reposted by Emma Smith
Matt was a lovely bloke who really cared about his players, I don't know anyone who covered women's football in England who's ever had a bad word to say about him. Women's football is poorer for his passing.
sharing this devastating news from official channels elsewhere that Matt Beard has died suddenly at the age of 47. 🕯️
September 20, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Matt was a lovely bloke who really cared about his players, I don't know anyone who covered women's football in England who's ever had a bad word to say about him. Women's football is poorer for his passing.