On Sunday, 8 March 2026, a new permanent mural was unveiled at the Harlequin shopping centre in Watford, Hertfordshire, to celebrate the career of local football legend Kelly Smith MBE. The artwork, located on the upper mall in Charter Place, honours the record-breaking striker who was born in the town and went on to play for England 117 times.
The large-scale tribute was created by local artist Mean-A-Street-Art in partnership with the mural collective Murwalls. It was revealed during a special event on International Women’s Day to provide a lasting landmark that celebrates achievements in women’s sports and inspires the local community.
Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the women’s game, scoring 47 goals for her country during her career. Before her international success and professional playing time in the United States, her journey began locally when she played for the Garston Boys.
The shopping centre organisers explained that the mural serves as a permanent home for the story of her journey from Watford to the global stage. Smith, who was awarded an MBE for her services to football in 2008, attended the grand reveal to help present the installation to the public.
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