Once A Spur | Rosie Kmita
In each matchday programme, to celebrate our 40th anniversary, we speak to a former Spurs player to look back at their career and get their thoughts on the current side in our seventh season in the WSL.
Next up is winger Rosie Kmita as she discusses her journey from the younger age groups to progressing to the senior side, playing with her twin sister – Mollie - and life away from the pitch now…
First of all, you began your career at Spurs. What were your early memories of the Club and being a part of it all?
“My earliest memories of Spurs are really special! I joined when I was 10 years old and it immediately felt like a place where I could grow, not just as a footballer but as a person. The environment was so supportive and I had a real sense of pride in representing the Club I supported. Also, Spurs was the first club I found outside of school football, so being at Spurs really did open my eyes and mind up to the potential of where Football could take me.”
Talk to us about your journey with the Club across your two spells, starting out as a youngster to being part of the senior side?
“Coming through the younger age groups at Spurs was a huge learning curve. As a youngster, everything felt exciting and new, and I was just trying to soak up as much as I could. Over time, progressing into the senior side, my role and mindset changed, I became more aware of the responsibility that comes with playing at that level. I was always so grateful to get my first senior call up at the ripe age of 15 years old, it was an amazing opportunity and I have to thank Karen Hills for taking the chance on me at that stage of my life. Returning for my second spell felt very full circle. I’d grown, gained experience elsewhere, and came back with a different perspective, which made that period incredibly rewarding. I then got the chance to work under Juan Amoros, who was incredible and I learned so much from.”
Do you have any standout memories that you still look back at this day?
“Honestly, it would be the pride I felt every single time I got the opportunity to step on the pitch wearing the Spurs kit.”
Matilda Nildén joined her sister - Amanda - at the Club recently. Having played alongside your twin sister while at Spurs, how special is that to share a pitch together?
“It’s incredibly special. Playing alongside Mollie throughout the majority of my career was something I’ll always cherish. Football is such a big part of our lives, so to be able to share that experience at our childhood club made it even more meaningful. There are a unique understanding and connection you have with a sibling, especially a twin and being able to represent playing together is something not many people get to experience.”
What are you currently up to now?
“I’m still very much involved in football. Alongside Mollie, we founded our own business, The Powerhouse Project, which was born out of our experiences within the game and exists to empower and educate young girls and women. As a duo, we’re also involved in football from a media perspective, working as hosts and broadcasters within the game which has now progressed into the Podcast space. Stay tuned for more news on this very, very soon!”
Talk to us about The Powerhouse Project and what that entails?
“The Powerhouse Project is something I’m incredibly passionate about and truly gives me purpose. It’s a global initiative dedicated to increasing access, opportunity and representation for underrepresented females in football. Through targeted education programmes, mentorship and community-building, we support girls and women on their journeys by focusing on inspiration, confidence-building and personal development. The project is about creating inclusive spaces and equipping individuals with the skills, belief and networks needed to progress within the football ecosystem, while helping to build a more diverse and equitable future for the game.”
