Mary Earps is a name rapidly gaining recognition in the world of football, particularly within women’s soccer. As one of the most accomplished and promising goalkeepers in the game today, she exemplifies skill, resilience, and leadership on and off the pitch. This comprehensive article explores who Mary Earps is, her journey, achievements, playing style, and practical tips aspiring goalkeepers can learn from her career. Additionally, we’ll discuss recent trends in women’s football (2025), and answer key FAQs about her.
Mary Earps is an elite English professional football goalkeeper, currently a vital player for both Manchester United Women and the England national team. Known for her commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping ability, and tactical awareness, Earps has become a cornerstone of modern women’s football. This article will guide you through her career milestones, provide practical goalkeeper training advice inspired by her techniques, and touch upon the current landscape of women’s football, which continues to grow globally. We also include relevant real-life examples and a structured FAQ to address common questions.
Who is Mary Earps?
Mary Alexandra Earps was born on March 7, 1993, in Nottingham, England. She has played as a professional goalkeeper for various clubs and made a strong impact on the England women’s national team, including in major tournaments like UEFA Women’s Euros and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Early Career and Development
Mary’s football journey began in youth football before she stepped into senior professional football. She initially played for Leicester City’s youth teams before progressing through clubs such as Bristol Academy, Reading, and currently Manchester United Women, where she plays a pivotal role.
Her rise reflects dedication, hard work, and continual skill refinement, making her an inspiring figure for aspiring young goalkeepers.
Mary Earps’ Playing Style and Strengths
Shot-Stopping and Reflexes
One of Mary Earps’ defining traits is her exceptional reflexes. Her ability to anticipate shots and react swiftly has saved many crucial goals in high-stakes matches.
Commanding the Defense
Earps is vocal and authoritative in organizing her defensive line. This leadership quality boosts team coordination and defensive stability.
Distribution and Footwork
Modern goalkeeping demands excellent footwork and distribution skills. Earps excels in these areas, often initiating counterattacks with precise passes.
Mental Strength and Composure
Her calm demeanor under pressure enables her to make crucial saves during penalty shootouts and critical game moments.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Train Like Mary Earps — Goalkeeper Tips
Aspiring goalkeepers can learn from Mary Earps’ training and game-day preparation strategies.
Build Strong Fundamentals
- Positioning: Always position yourself based on the ball’s location and opponent’s attacking angles.
- Basic Saves: Master catching, parrying, and diving saves through consistent practice.
- Footwork Drills: Use ladder drills and cone exercises to improve agility.
Develop Reflexes
- Reaction Ball Exercises: Use reaction balls or partner throws to enhance reflexes.
- Close-range Saves: Practice quick dives and hand-eye coordination.
Communication Skills
- Vocal Commands: Regularly practice commanding the defense and calling out threats.
- Leadership Drills: Engage in team drills emphasizing defensive organization.
Distribution Techniques
- Short Passes: Develop accuracy with feet for short passes.
- Long Kicks: Train in powerful and precise goal kicks or throws to launch counterattacks.
Mental Training
- Visualization: Visualize various game scenarios and your responses.
- Breathing Exercises: Use deep breathing techniques to maintain composure.
Mary Earps’ Achievements and Career Highlights
Club Success
- Manchester United Women: Mary joined the club in 2021 and quickly established herself as their number one goalkeeper, contributing to multiple clean sheets and important wins in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
- She has been noted for her consistency and leadership during the club’s rise in the league.
International Career
- Earps made her senior England debut in 2017 and has since become a regular starter.
- Played key roles in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where England won the championship, and was lauded for her performances.
- Participated in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, demonstrating high-caliber goalkeeping.
Women’s Football in 2025: Recent Trends
Increasing Popularity and Investment
Women’s football is experiencing unprecedented growth globally. As of 2025, professional leagues in Europe, the US, and Asia have expanded with more teams, higher salaries, and improved facilities.
Enhanced Media Coverage
Broadcasters and streaming services are dedicating more airtime to women’s matches, increasing fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.
Technology Integration
Advanced analytics and sports science, including AI-based performance analysis, are becoming standard to optimize player fitness and match tactics.
Role Models and Grassroots Development
Players like Mary Earps inspire millions of young girls worldwide, encouraging grassroots programs and community initiatives focused on gender equality in sport.
Real-Life Example: Mary Earps’ Impact on Manchester United Women
Since joining Manchester United Women, Mary Earps has been a game-changer. In the 2023–24 WSL season, she kept over 10 clean sheets in 20 appearances, helping the team secure a top-four finish and qualification for European competition. Her leadership boosted the defensive confidence, turning Manchester United Women into one of the toughest teams to break down.
This example highlights how an elite goalkeeper can influence team performance and morale.
How Mary Earps’ Career Can Inspire You
Whether you are a young goalkeeper or a football fan, Mary Earps’ career offers valuable lessons:
- Persistence Pays Off: She worked through smaller clubs and challenges before reaching the top.
- Continuous Improvement: Dedication to training fundamentals and embracing new techniques is key.
- Leadership Matters: Commanding respect on and off the pitch can elevate your game.
FAQ About Mary Earps
What clubs has Mary Earps played for?
Mary Earps has played for clubs including Leicester City (youth), Bristol Academy, Reading, Manchester City Women, and currently Manchester United Women.
How tall is Mary Earps?
Mary Earps is approximately 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall, an ideal height for a goalkeeper offering both agility and reach.
Has Mary Earps won any major trophies?
Yes. She was part of the England squad that won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. At the club level, she has contributed to team successes but is still pursuing major league titles with Manchester United Women.
What makes Mary Earps a standout goalkeeper?
Her excellent reflexes, composure under pressure, leadership skills, and modern distribution abilities make her one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football.
How can young players emulate Mary Earps?
Focus on mastering goalkeeping fundamentals, build mental toughness, develop communication skills, and remain consistent in training and matches.
Final Thoughts
Mary Earps is more than just a goalkeeper; she’s an embodiment of the evolving strength, skill, and prominence of women’s football worldwide. Her journey from youth football to becoming England’s top goalkeeper demonstrates the power of resilience, skill, and leadership. As women’s football continues to grow and receive global attention in 2025 and beyond, Mary Earps remains a key figure inspiring the next generation of footballers.
For those interested in following sports stories or cultural updates, exploring articles like Bonnie Blue or Ellie Taylor can provide broader insight into trending personalities and cultural moments. Meanwhile, if you’re fascinated by dynamic personalities shaping football, check out the latest on Rangnick.
Mary Earps’ story teaches us that with passion, persistence, and continuous improvement, excellence is achievable in any field—even one as competitive as professional sports.
