Non-League and Academy football writer

A real legend of FC Baresi, Marvin Smith is a very talented footballer, who after returning from injury last season, has featured prominently for FC Baresi during  pre-season, so far. FC Baresi are currently preparing for their second season of football at step 6 of the FA pyramid, in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South. However, it was back in the 2006/07 season, when Marvin first played senior football in the FA pyramid, for FC Baresi. Having been at the club since he was 15, Marvin played for them in the Middlesex County Football League, during the 2006/07 season.

In the Division Three (East) of the Middlesex League, Marvin Smith, who was then a striker, would score an impressive 19 goals (Marvin once scored five goals in one game for Baresi, in the 2006/07 season) from 14 league appearances, that season, as Baresi won the title. During the following season, Marvin scored 26 goals in all competitions, from 27 competitive appearances. After FC Baresi had folded following the end of that season, the club would return to Saturday football, some time later, in the Essex Alliance Football League. And, Marvin Smith would continue to score a lot of goals across that league, really showing his quality in front of goal.

After suffering a very unfortunate ACL and MCL injury a couple of years ago, Marvin had to work very hard to return for pre-season of the 2024/25 season. Now in his mid 30s, Marvin would often drop in to play in midfield in more recent seasons, doing an excellent job. Highly skilful and creative with the ball, and still so clinical in front of goal, Marvin has also shown that he is more than capable of playing in central-defence. With his composure on the ball, as well as his impressive reading of the game allowing him to do a fine job in that defensive role. 

Marvin’s loyalty to FC Baresi throughout the years is truly admirable, and he is without doubt a real club legend. With so much quality on the ball and determination to influence a game, Marvin Smith will hopefully be a very important player for this ambitious FC Baresi side, in 2025/26.

FC Baresi head-coach Tufail Amjad, speaking about Marvin Smith: “ Marvin was a joy to play alongside. I would pay to watch him play football, that’s how good of a player he is. After putting in so much effort and determination to get back in to good shape following his injury, hopefully he will stay injury free this season, as he will be massive for the team. The badge means a lot to him. ”