Young Bankstown Lion Mary Fowler ready for her role at Women’s World Cup

Mary Fowler is the pride of Bankstown as she adds her skills to the Matildas team competing at 2019 Women’s football World Cup.

Ciara and Mary Fowler play for Bankstown City Lions. Picture: Monique Harmer

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If Mary Fowler plays for the Matildas at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, she will be youngest Australian to do so.

The 16-year-old football prodigy, one of five talented siblings, is now the pride of Bankstown, who are cheering their young heroine on the world’s biggest women’s football stage.

In March, Mary signed for the Bankstown City Lions, who cannot be prouder their young NPL women’s team player.

Mary Fowler with Bankstown City FC officials before she left for France: Women's convener Denise Hinton, president Zac Gulevski, director Sash Talevski and vice-president Nick Kuzmanoski

The Matildas, who plucked a stunning 3-2 victory over Brazil on Friday morning, play Jamaica in their next group game at the World Cup on Wednesday, June 19, 5am EST.

Bankstown City Lions president Zac Gulevski said they are delighted that Mary’s hard work has been rewarded with a national call-up.

Before she left, Fowler was given a rousing farewell at the Lions home ground at Jensen Park, Sefton.

Bankstown Girls High School said they are excited their champion footballer is now on the cusp of playing at the World Cup, saying Mary is a wonderful role model.

The school principal Suada Bilali told the Express they plan to fete her at their assembly when she returns.

“Bankstown Girls’ High School is incredibly proud of Mary’s sporting achievements, and her dedication towards maintaining her educational and sporting priorities,” Ms Bilali said.

Seamus, Mary, Quivi, Ciara and Louise Fowler on the pitch when they were younger.

“Mary’s humble nature, self-motivated attitude and her strong family values are a testament to the ethics we strive to instil in our young female students.

“Mary is an excellent role model to young women and her amazing achievements as a member of the Matildas soccer team has empowered her peers, along with our school community to work hard towards achieving their goals.

“She is evidence that with hard work, strength of character and resilience, girls are capable of anything!

“The staff and students at Bankstown Girls’ High School are all watching and cheering her on.”

Matilda’s young star Mary Fowler

Mary’s sisters Ciara (17) and Louise (15), and brother Seamus (14), all play for Lions' NPL teams, with Ciara a Young Matilda. Another brother Quivi, 17, plays for Sutherland Sharks and is an Australian junior player.

Bankstown City Lions President Zac Gulevski said they are delighted that Mary’s hard work has been rewarded with a national call-up.

“Bankstown City Lions could not be more proud to see one of our players being called up to represent Australia at a FIFA World Cup,” Gulevski said.

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“Mary Fowler is an inspiration to all the young girls and boys at our club and in our local community, proving that hard work and a professional mindset on the football field can be rewarded with a national team call up.

“Our supporters have been gathering at Bankstown RSL Club to cheer on the Matildas and Mary, wishing them the best of luck on their FIFA Women’s World Cup journey.”

Even without the skills of Mary, Bankstown City Lions have won their last two NPLW fixtures, defeating Newcastle Jets 2-1 and North West Sydney Koalas 4-2 to stay mid-table.