Raised in Melbourne, Ted Smith played for the Victorian Colts and in the Laidlaw Cup against New Zealand youth, and was in Australia's historic 1956 Olympics squad where he played in both games in Melbourne as a 21-year-old.
Smith was a foundation member of the committee appointed by then Soccer Australia to create the national Hall of Fame in the mid-1990s.
After retiring, Smith has worked extensively to organise functions for the Socceroos, especially when touring teams have visited. Despite his ageing years, he is still actively promoting the sport in particular the men's national team, including the important Centenary Year in 2022.