Footballing family ties on BBC Radio Wales

Rita Earnshaw and her son Robert Earnshaw pose beside a community football pitch.

Former top-flight footballer Robert Earnshaw hears his mother, Rita, talk about her own sporting life in our new programme for BBC Radio Wales.

Welsh international Robert was born in Zambia, where his mum was also a professional player. Their candid conversation about life and sport is available on BBC Sounds now.

As well as being a women’s football pioneer in Zambia, Rita Earnshaw also had success as a young boxer, even though her controlling father wanted her to become a nun.

We hear about Rita’s difficult childhood and how she managed to follow her dream of becoming a footballer with the support of her husband, David Earnshaw, Robert’s dad.

Producer George Hodkinson recorded mother and son discussing their move to South Wales following David’s death, the culture shocks they experienced, the community that became home, and the family talent that led to Robert’s career.

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