Manchester's rich tapestry of footballing history is no stranger to unearthing gems, with Kevin Smith an example of this. Born in the English city, Smith's journey was shaped by his Afro-Caribbean heritage and mix of cultures that jostled for position in the streets of his neighbourhood.

Smith's early days were marked by, along with county matches and dalliances with youth systems, the local five-a-side pitches, where he developed a reputation for his no-nonsense play and a knack for breaking up attacks. After graduating to the professional game in the North West, the passion in English terraces seemed to meld within Smith, manifesting in a defender who was as comfortable dancing past challengers as he was dispatching them.

Out of the blue, Japan’s Tokyo Spectrum took notice of Smith’s blend of traditional British defending coupled with a flair for the dramatic, and the Illustrators have now made up the lion’s share his professional football story. As Spectrum now transition into the KIT LEAGUE, Smith continues to be a crucial part of the defence, relishing the opportunity, embracing the challenge and often being the reliable bedrock amidst the team’s free-flowing football.

Now, at 29, with Smith firmly rooted in the Spectrum backline, he's been known to host music nights in Tokyo, sharing pieces of his heritage with his adopted home. On the pitch, Smith continues to be a symbol of resilience and creativity, traits that are integral to Tokyo Spectrum's identity and their aspirations on the global stage.