Born: 1990 (Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire)
Biography:
Kim Alison Little MBE, born on 29 June 1990, is a prominent Scottish footballer who has made significant contributions to the sport. She is well-known for her exceptional performance as a midfielder and currently captains Arsenal in the English FA WSL. Prior to her retirement from international duty in 2021, Little also served as the vice-captain of the Scotland women’s national team.
Little’s journey in the world of football began at a young age. Raised in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, she developed her passion for the game by playing with her father and brother. She initially played for her primary school, Mintlaw Primary School, and Mintlaw Boys Club. Little’s talent soon led her to join Buchan Girls at the youth level when she was between 10 and 14 years old. In 2005, she made a significant move to join Hibernian Girls, which required her to travel approximately three and a half hours each way from Aberdeenshire to Edinburgh for training. Despite the challenges, this experience further fueled her determination to succeed.
During her time with Hibernian Girls, Little had the opportunity to compete against top players from across Europe. These experiences at a young age broadened her horizons and strengthened her resolve to continue pursuing her career in football. Reflecting on her youth, Little expressed gratitude for the opportunities that football provided her, saying, Having the chance to travel, to play in different environments and to come up against really good players from all over Europe was fantastic and made me more determined to keep playing.
Little’s dedication and talent eventually caught the attention of Arsenal L.F.C., leading her to join the club while attending the University of Hertfordshire. During her time with Arsenal, she pursued a degree in Sports Studies. Little’s skills on the field were instrumental in the team’s successes, as she played a significant role in helping Arsenal achieve remarkable victories.
In 2006, at just 16 years old, Little made her debut for Hibernian L.F.C. in a match against RCD Espanyol during the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her impressive skills quickly made her a valuable asset to the team. Hibernian had recruited Little, alongside other players from their youth team, to replace some seasoned veterans. In her Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) debut, Little even scored a hat trick against Hutchison Vale L.F.C.
During her tenure with Hibernian, Little played a pivotal role in the team’s success. She contributed significantly to their victory in the SWPL championship and led the team to win the Scottish Cup and the Premier League Cup. Additionally, Little had the opportunity to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Hibernian, showcasing her abilities on an international stage.
With her remarkable performances, Little gained recognition and accolades throughout her career. In 2010, she was honored as the FA’s Women’s Player of the Year. Three years later, she became the first recipient of the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award. Little’s commendable skills and contributions to the sport were further acknowledged in 2016 when she was named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. She received this prestigious honor after being nominated for the award two consecutive years.
Furthermore, Little’s impact extended beyond her club career. She represented Scotland at the senior international level from the age of 16 and played an integral role in helping the team qualify for both the Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup. Her versatility and talent led to her selection for the Great Britain squad in the 2012 London Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals. Little reprised her role in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing her unwavering commitment to representing her country at the highest level.
Kim Little’s dedication, perseverance, and exceptional skills have made her a prominent figure in women’s football. Her achievements and contributions have created a lasting impact on the sport. As a talented athlete and influential leader, she continues to inspire future generations of women in football.
Awards:
– FA Women’s Player of the Year (2010)
– PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year (2013)
– BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2016)