Mary Earps: From West Bridgford Colts to winning the Golden Glove

Earps, 30, saved a penalty from Spain’s Hermoso in the final, which England lost 1-0. She was named the best goalkeeper at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and claimed the Golden Glove award, having conceded just four goals throughout the tournament.

Earlier this year, the Manchester United player was also awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Year by FIFA. Earps started playing football from the age of eight, where she would train with her brother’s team but was not allowed to play. When she was ten the dad of one of her friends set up a grassroots team, West Bridgford Colts.

This was Mary’s first club and from there she has played for teams including Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Reading. Earps is currently at Manchester United and has been since 2019.

West Bridgford Colts chairman Peter Stansbury said: “Obviously we are all disappointed The Lionesses didn’t quite manage to get it over the line but their legacy remains. They have changed the perception of women’s football and sport forever. 

“We have had a huge interest in girls football over recent months and with Mary winning the golden glove I’m sure many of those will be wanting to play in goal.”

Many girls’ grassroots clubs have seen an increase in interest following the Lionesses victory at the Euro’s last summer. They may not have won this time but the team have captured the heart of the nation and further inspired girls to play the game.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the final Earps said: “The team result is the most important thing really and we couldn’t get that.

“I just try to go out and do my job for the team, leave everything on the pitch. In a couple of weeks, when the emotion has settled down, we will probably be able to look back and feel proud - it is no small feat to get to a World Cup final.

“But we are very competitive people, we came here to win the game and get a gold medal, not a silver one.

“At the same time you need to try and be as present as possible. These moments don’t come around very often. I will probably look back on this as up there as one of my career highlights but right now it just doesn’t feel like it.”

Earps has been centre to controversy prior to the tournament as Nike decided not to produce a replica version of her goalkeeper kit. She expressed her disappointment with their decision and even offered to personally fund the making of the replica kit.

It is great to see the impact the Lionesses have on the sport and hopefully they will come back stronger.