Robert Earnshaw: My Mum, the Football Hero

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Robert Earnshaw: My Mum, The Football Hero

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BBC Radio Wales - Robert Earnshaw: My Mum, the Football Hero

Robert Earnshaw chats to his mother, Rita, who herself was a professional footballer

Ex-Wales international Robert Earnshaw chats to his mother, Rita, who herself was a professional footballer in Zambia, before pivoting to boxing.

Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw visits his mother’s home in Caerphilly to learn more about her extraordinary life. This intimate conversation provides the opportunity for Robert to go back to his roots and reveal his mother’s story for the first time. Before moving to Wales, Rita Earnshaw lived in Zambia, where she was a promising footballer and was even on the radar of the country’s football-obsessed president. 

As well as being a pioneer for women’s football in Zambia, Rita also had success as a young boxer. We hear about her difficult childhood and how despite this, she still managed to follow her dream of becoming a footballer with the support of her husband David Earnshaw, Robert’s dad. They chat about moving to South Wales following the death of Rita’s husband when Robert and his siblings were young and discuss some of the culture shocks they experienced, such as seeing snow for the first time.

The pair quickly blended into Welsh life thanks to the hospitality and friendliness of their local community and Rita’s determination to give her children the best chance in life - which involved juggling multiple jobs as a single mum. Rita tells of her pride seeing Robert follow in her footsteps as a footballer, representing Wales and Cardiff City. This is a candid and heartfelt conversation, with the pair at times touching on difficult topics, but with an overwhelming warmth and affection throughout.

Producer: George Hodkinson

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