Bankstown City FC abuzz with their own Matildas star

The Matildas will be kicking off their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign at 9pm on Sunday night against Italy, with Bankstown City Lions’ striker Mary Fowler eager to make her mark on the squad.

The 16-year-old will become the youngest Australian footballer to play in a FIFA World Cup, and the third youngest in football history, should she take the field in the World Cup.

Prior to her departure to France, Fowler was given a rousing farewell at Jensen Park, the home ground of her club Bankstown City Lions.

Fowler, her sisters Ciara (17) – who is a Young Matilda – Louise (15), and brother Seamus (14), all play with Bankstown City Lions National Premier Leagues NSW teams.

Bankstown City Lions President Zac Gulevski was proud to see Fowler announced to be part of the world stage at the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

“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.

“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.

“It is a real credit to her parents, Kevin and Nido, who have raised five wonderful children to not only be talented footballers, but also fantastic people with excellent manners and an unwavering determination to succeed in every aspect of their lives.

“We will be gathering at Bankstown RSL Club at 9pm on Sunday night to wish Mary Fowler and the Matildas the very best of luck as they commence their FIFA Women’s World Cup journey.”

Upon her departure, the young gun was looking forward to the long but exciting journey ahead in France.

“It is amazing to get the call-up to the World Cup. It was a really exciting moment and my family and I are very proud. Being around the team, it’s been good, doing training and stuff.

”It’s important to be part of the Matildas in the long run and going to the World Cup will be a great experience to be around all of them and learning from all of them.

”It was a very proud moment for me and my family. I want to get on the pitch then I want to score a goal. That’s my job on the team, I want to go there and score a goal, that’s the aim.”