Bristol City have confirmed that Lauren Smith has left the Vixens to take up a new role with the FA of Wales, as assistant coach to the women’s senior side.
City say that Smith, 29, joined them in 2010 as Under-14 coach and in 2014 was made a full time employee, becoming the club’s 9-19 technical director and First Team assistant coach.
Alongside her City role, Smith also oversaw the Development Squad and SGS College female women’s football side.
A promising young coach, Smith has enjoyed huge success during her time with the club, most notably City’s return to WSL 1 winning the Development League in June, beating Arsenal in the final and winning the ESFA Cup in May last year.
On the news that Smith will be moving to pastures new, Head Coach Willie Kirk thanked her for her contribution: “I think I will echo everyone at the club in saying what a big loss this will be, Smithy puts her heart and soul into everything that she does and I am thankful for her contribution.
“This is an exciting opportunity and one she couldn’t turn down working at the Welsh FA, where she resides and I truly wish her the best.”
Smith said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of the club for the past seven years.
“It has been a great opportunity to work with players across all age groups in both development and competitive environments.”
