Team GB women's football hopefuls left without a club for Games run-in

[divingbrit]

Head coach Hope Powell's preparations for the GB women's football team have suffered a blow after the 2012 Women's Professional Soccer League in the United States was cancelled.

England striker Kelly Smith is one of five British players now without a club with just under six months until Team GB's opening game at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on July 25.

Smith's colleague for Boston Breakers and England Alex Scott and Sky Blue FC pair Anita Asante and Karen Bardsley are also in need of new contracts, following the decision, which was taken as a result of a legal dispute with former magicJack team owner Dan Borislow. Ifeoma Dieke of Scotland, is also on Boston's books, but is currently on loan in Sweden.

Smith, who has made over 100 appearances for England, said she was stunned to receive the news in a year that should see her involved in Euro 2013 qualification games, as well as the London Olympics.

"It was a total shock to receive the email from the league," she said. "It's a big year for women's football with the Euros and Olympics.

"If a professional women's league was going to happen anywhere it's the US but that seems to have failed, so maybe that's not the way forward. They play semi-pro in Sweden, Germany and England."



England's record goalscorer is unlikely to be without a club for too long, however, and admitted that she had already received some offers.

"I've already had phone calls [with offers]," she told the BBC. "It's about playing regularly ahead of the Olympics and Euros. I'll sit down and sort the best option.

"The deal has to be right and to be playing regular football in order to get yourself seen for England and also for the Great Britain team."

The United States women's team, who recently qualified for the London Olympics after winning their qualifying group, will have to expand their practice and competition schedule to cope with the loss of the WPS, which is now the second failed women's professional football league in the country.

Sunil Gulati, president of the United States Soccer Federation, said: "It hasn't been an easy road. There are a lot of challenges."

Telegraph.co.uk