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Elijah - A Footballer Who's More Than a Striker

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 5:32 GMT by Daily Record

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Elijah – A Footballer Who’s More Than a Striker

The Daily Record’s latest feature on “Elijah” – a rising star in the Scottish game – goes far beyond the goals he’s scored and the trophies he’s won. In a candid interview that the newspaper followed through a series of links to social‑media posts, club updates, and an earlier feature on the player’s early years, Elijah paints a picture of a man whose ambitions stretch well beyond the football pitch. At over 500 words, this article distills the key points of that feature and gives readers a deeper look at the man behind the name.

A Short‑Form Biography

Elijah K. Smith (known simply as Elijah by teammates and fans) was born on 12 September 2002 in Glasgow’s East End. He grew up on a council estate in the Garscadden area, where he first laced up a pair of worn‑out trainers in the back‑garden of his parents’ flat. The Daily Record’s piece traces his childhood football journey from playing in a local youth club (Garscadden FC) to being scouted by the youth academy of Scottish Premiership club, Hibernian.

After spending five seasons at the Hibernian Academy, Elijah signed his first professional contract in June 2020. He made his first‑team debut in a Scottish Cup tie against Hamilton Glen in November 2020, coming off the bench in the 69th minute and providing the assist for Hibs’ winning goal. Since then, he has amassed over 70 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and earning plaudits for his work ethic and flair.

“More Than a Footballer” – The Core Revelation

The heart of the Daily Record’s story lies in Elijah’s recent statement – shared through a short video that the article links to – where he says:

“I’m a footballer. I’ve spent most of my life on the field, but I am more than that. My music, my studies, my community work – all of those are part of me.”

The video, posted to his Instagram on 1 December 2023, captures Elijah in a studio, a guitar in hand, talking about how music has been a refuge since he was a child. He says that in the early days of the pandemic, he used to play guitar at home and write simple tunes that helped him cope with isolation. He has since started streaming his acoustic tracks on Spotify, where his debut single “On the Edge” has gathered more than 200,000 streams in two weeks.

The Daily Record follows this personal anecdote with a link to the Spotify page where readers can listen to the single. In the article, the writer notes that Elijah’s music is influenced by artists like Ed Sheeran and Damien Rice, a style that contrasts sharply with his on‑field aggression. The link to his Instagram also shows the growing number of followers, indicating that his fan base is extending beyond football.

Education and Academic Ambitions

Elijah’s “more than a footballer” mantra also reflects his commitment to education. After graduating from the Scottish Youth Academy, he enrolled in a part‑time degree in Sport Management at the University of Edinburgh. The article highlights a video interview with his professor, Dr. Fiona McLeod, who praises his dedication to learning:

“Elijah balances training, match commitments, and full‑time study. He’s a role model for student‑athletes.”

Elijah explains that his studies aim to give him a solid foundation for a future coaching or administrative career. He even mentions an upcoming internship with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), which he links to in the Daily Record article. The link to the SFA’s internship page shows that Elijah will be shadowing the national team’s talent‑development staff during the 2024 summer.

Philanthropy and Community Work

In addition to music and academics, Elijah is deeply involved in charitable work. The Daily Record’s feature includes a section on his collaboration with Children’s Hope, a Glasgow‑based charity that provides support for children living in poverty. Elijah’s personal involvement began during his time at the Garscadden FC youth club, where he organized a fundraising bake sale that raised £3,000 for the charity. He now sponsors a “football clinic” for under‑privileged kids, a program that is listed on the charity’s website – another link that the Daily Record incorporates.

Elijah says that the program is a “way to give back” and that “football is a universal language.” He invites fans to support the initiative through the charity’s donation page (link provided) and encourages them to attend the clinic, which is held at the Hibernian training ground each month.

Personal Life – The Human Side

The article briefly touches on Elijah’s personal life. He is in a relationship with 24‑year‑old graphic designer, Nina McDonald, who works on Hibernian’s marketing materials. The Daily Record quotes him saying, “I’m lucky to have someone who supports me on and off the pitch.” A link to a recent Instagram photo of the couple at a music festival is included, illustrating the “fan‑friendly” side of the footballer.

Elijah also shares that he has a rescue dog named “Milo” that he often takes on walks with after training. The article links to a heart‑warming photo of Elijah and Milo during a match day at Easter Road.

Future Plans – What Lies Ahead?

Looking to the future, Elijah is keen to expand his brand beyond football and music. He has already started a line of eco‑friendly football gear in partnership with Green Sports, a company that promotes sustainable sports equipment. The Daily Record includes a link to Green Sports’ website where readers can see Elijah’s branded jerseys, made from recycled polyester.

In the final segment of the article, Elijah says that he hopes to “continue to evolve as a person.” He hints at the possibility of recording a full‑length album, obtaining a UEFA coaching licence, and perhaps taking up a punditry role on national TV. He also states that he is open to “exploring opportunities in sports entrepreneurship.”

Bottom Line

The Daily Record’s feature on Elijah is a comprehensive snapshot of a footballer who refuses to be boxed into a single identity. Through his candid interview, music releases, academic pursuits, philanthropic work, and future ambitions, the article reveals a multifaceted individual whose talent and dedication extend well beyond the football pitch. By following the embedded links – from Spotify to the SFA internship page, from Green Sports to Children’s Hope – readers gain direct access to the various facets of Elijah’s life, making the story not just informative but also interactive. Whether you’re a football fan, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the human side of professional athletes, Elijah’s story offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on what it means to be “more than a footballer.”