Kelly Cates is a renowned sports presenter and journalist who is best known for her coverage of football. Her passion for sports started at an early age, and she has become one of the most respected voices in sports journalism. In this biography, we will explore her early life, education, early career, rise to fame, key achievements, and contributions, personal life, net worth, and social media handles.
Early Life
Kelly Cates was born on September 28, 1975, in Glasgow, Scotland. She was born to a family of sports enthusiasts; her father Kenny Dalglish is a former Scottish footballer and manager, and her mother is Marina Dalglish. From a young age, Kelly showed a keen interest in sports and would often accompany her father to football matches.
Education
Kelly attended the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she studied Law. After completing her degree, she went on to pursue a Masters in Journalism from City University London.
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Professional Career
Kelly began her career as a researcher and producer for Sky Sports in the early 2000s. She worked on a variety of shows, including Sky Sports News and the daily football debate show “The Full Time Show.” During this time, she gained valuable experience in the industry, learning from some of the most talented sports journalists and broadcasters in the UK.
In 2003, Kelly joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a producer and occasional presenter. Over the next few years, she established herself as a talented broadcaster and interviewer, covering a range of sports, including football, rugby, cricket, and horse racing. In 2007, she became a regular presenter on the station, hosting the breakfast show and the weekend sports news bulletins.
In 2010, Kelly moved to ESPN, where she presented the channel’s Premier League coverage, as well as boxing and horse racing. She quickly established herself as one of the most respected presenters in the industry, with her insightful analysis and engaging style of presenting.
After two years with ESPN, Kelly returned to the BBC in 2012, where she presented the 5 Live Drive show and hosted coverage of the 2012 London Olympics. She also became a regular presenter on Match of the Day 2, alongside Mark Chapman and former Premier League footballer and pundit, Alan Shearer.
In 2013, Kelly joined Sky Sports as a presenter on their flagship football show, Monday Night Football. She also presented their coverage of the Scottish Professional Football League and co-presented their coverage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Over the years, Kelly has worked tirelessly to establish herself as one of the most respected and knowledgeable sports presenters in the UK. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Sports Journalists’ Association Sports Broadcaster of the Year in 2017.
In addition to her broadcasting work, Kelly is also an advocate for women’s sport and is involved in various initiatives to promote and support female athletes. She is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences and has been an ambassador for the Women’s Sport Trust since 2015.
Rise to Fame
Kelly’s rise to fame came when she joined the team at ESPN UK in 2010. She quickly became a regular on the channel’s football coverage, hosting shows such as Press Pass, On the Road, and ESPNFC. Her in-depth knowledge of the sport, coupled with her engaging personality, made her a fan favorite.
In 2013, Kelly returned to Sky Sports, where she has remained ever since. She has hosted several shows, including Monday Night Football and Goals on Sunday, and has become a prominent figure in football journalism.
Key Achievements and Contributions
Kelly has made significant contributions to the world of sports journalism, and her achievements include:
- Being the first female presenter to host Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
- Hosting the coverage of the Women’s Super League for Sky Sports.
- Being a regular contributor to The Football Show on Sky Sports News.
- Co-hosting The Football Show on The Athletic UK.
Personal Life
Kelly was married to Tom Williams, a former professional footballer. They have two children together.
Net Worth
Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This is primarily from her career as a sports presenter and journalist.
Social Media Handles
Kelly is active on social media, and her handles are as follows:
Twitter: @kellycates