Born in Crewe,[1] Smith began his playing career with hometown club Crewe Alexandra, progressing through the age groups at Academy level, but failed to step-up to the first-team. He was released by the club in 2014, but soon after joined Colchester United's Academy on trial. He featured in the under-18 sides Youth Alliance Cup Final victory against Bradford City as a second-half substitute, and helped the club to the Youth Alliance South East title. He then signed a one-year professional development contract for with Colchester on 14 May 2014.[3]
While Smith had been signed to primarily feature for Colchester's under-21 development squad, coach Richard Hall set him the target of achieving first-team football during his time with the U's.[4] He scored a number of goals in pre-season for the club, including a brace against Brantham Athletic in a 4–1 win on 16 July,[5] and a hat-trick in a 6–4 win over Southend United on 5 August.[6] Following Joe Dunne's dismissal as first-team manager, Academy manager Tony Humes stepped up as a replacement, and subsequently named Smith in his squad to face Walsall on 6 September. He was sent on as a 77th-minute substitute for Gavin Massey to make his professional debut in a match which finished 0–0, the clubs first clean sheet of the season and only their second point in six games.[7]
Smith was loaned to A.F.C. Hornchurch in January 2015, joining fellow Colchester development player Billy Roast at Hornchurch Stadium for one month.[8] He made his debut on New Years Day in the Urchins' 2–0 win over Grays Athletic, playing 61 minutes before being substituted.[9] He also appeared as a substitute in Hornchurch's 2–0 defeat at Maidstone United on 17 January, replacing Tobi Joseph after 78 minutes.[10]
Following the expiry of his one-year contract with Colchester, Smith was released from the club on 5 May 2015.[11]