Last Saturday saw Dartford take on Welling United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to versatile attacker Paris Smith, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
If you cast your minds back to last season, to April in fact, you’ll remember that Paris Smith featured in our matchday programme then. And, even in such a short space of time (in football terms anyway), the same words could be used to describe her… She’s still that unique character with a terrific sense of humour.
And although she’s equally as comfortable playing up front as she is playing between the sticks at the back, it’s the former role where she’s being used this season. And it’s proving to be fruitful, as she’s making the most of her number nine role.
At the time of writing, her statistics in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League read four league goals in five league appearances (two starts). Last time out, she scored a brace in the excellent 5-1 win over Forest Green Rovers FC Women in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. A result of which will see the ladies host Keynsham Town Ladies in the second round of the competition.
With all the transfer activity surrounding the team during the off-season, why did Paris decide to remain at Dartford?
“This club is a family. Even though a lot of my close friends left this season, I have unfinished business here. Being runners up for the last two years has left a pain that I need to heal. I want to win the league with Dartford.”
Aside from an eye for goal, what does Paris bring to this ever-evolving group of players?
“My physicality for sure as well as my experience, especially in big games. I have learnt how to manage the games, and over the years, I’ve learnt that nerves are your best friend.
“My strengths are my passion and physicality. However, I’m so keen to always play the ball forward at times, that I can hear Macca and Con say ‘set and play back’ in my head a lot!”
It’s comforting to know that management duo Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy kept hold of the more experienced nucleus of the side, despite the huge clearout during the off-season. Whilst a change was required in order to challenge for promotion from the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League, keeping the heart of the team was also of paramount importance.
Yet, Paris has a job outside of the beautiful game, which involves shift work that can hinder her game-time from time to time (she’s a Police Officer/Response Driver). She could easily have hung up her boots and focused on that and her private life. Why does she continue to play?
“I think it’s my desire and love for the game still. I obviously have to work a lot harder now, just to keep up with the youngsters though! Hahaha!
“The game is all I’ve ever been obsessed with! I have three brothers and three male cousins… I’m the only one to play the sport, and I still get excited for every Sunday to arrive, so that I can step out onto the pitch. Moving to Dartford a few years ago made me fall in love with the sport again, and for that I’ll always be grateful.”
She continues, “I’ve really enjoyed playing as a striker and scoring goals. I enjoy being the player to start the high press, as it motivates the rest of the team to work harder. Playing is the release that I need from the world. It’s that vital escape that we all need. When I’m out on the pitch, I forget about everything. I just love playing football. I don’t care who I play, where I play, I just still have that passion to play and still enjoy it. I ask the girls most Sundays who we’re playing…! It really dosent matter in my head, it’s just 11 verses 11, so a name is just a name.
“On matchdays what I do depends on whether I’ve been working the night shift beforehand. But, I do like a lay in, then I’ll walk my dog Poppy to stretch my legs,, eat some food, then leave home ready to give my all for the girls and the club.”
As she has mentioned her shift work, how does working in a high intensity environment such as with the Police impact her life when trying to balance it together with football?
“There’s never enough hours in the day! Balancing working life with family and football is difficult. However, I’ve been playing football for thirty years… that’s a lot of time to sacrifice.
“Lack of sleep and annual leave are difficult things to deal with. With my current shifts, I can only train every other week, which I know is not ideal. It’s not through lack of wanting to be there, but I have to be clever so that I can play match days. Thankfully, I keep fit with my job, so that helps massively.”
She continues, “Pretty much every day I’m at work I train. The last month, I’ve really taken to circuits and cardio combined. I’ve honestly never been fitter, and that helps me to slot into the team. I rest when I don’t work and then, when I train and play, it keeps me ticking over nicely. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t ache though…! Hahaha!”
Of course, getting older doesn’t help football players. When our bodies have had enough, there’s not much we can do about it, regardless of our experience and desire. Does this bother Paris?
“I simply don’t know how many years I have left to play, so I can’t take any game for granted. I’ve been really lucky that all my injuries have been niggles or minor, so it’s really important that I keep my body conditioned to prevent injury. I want to play for as long as possible, but still making a difference in the team. The new girls are unbelievable. It’s so exciting to see the talent coming through. I believe I’m the oldest outfield player in the group now, so it’s just a case of proving to myself that I deserve to be there.”
Her statistics state that she certainly does deserve to be a member of this incarnation of the Dartford FC Women’s team. And she’s a vital one too, which her goals, work rate, and experience attest to. What does she think of her team’s chances this season?
“I honestly believe we will win the league… third time lucky! Hopefully, we have learnt from past mistakes. The pain is still raw from last year, and that drives me to give my all in every game.”
Did Paris receive any advice in the past that she uses to fuel her passion for winning and playing?
“Yes. Work rate beats ability. I think that’s why I’ve set my sights on getting so fit this year, as the stats have shown that if we run more and work harder, we’ll win games.”
And does she have any advice for the younger generation?
“Don’t give up. Confidence comes and goes. Surround yourself with a family and absorb everything like a sponge. If you want it, it will happen.”
That’s sound advice from a footballer who continues to prove that she’s able to push herself to the limit for the sake of her teammates and their success.
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