At the age of 11, Mary and her family relocated from Cairns, Australia, to the Netherlands to support the football aspirations of Mary and her siblings. They settled in cities such as Rotterdam and Arnhem, immersing themselves in the Dutch football culture. During this period, Mary played for BVV Barendrecht, a well-regarded amateur club known for its strong youth development programs. Her time at BVV Barendrecht allowed her to hone her technical skills and deepen her understanding of the game, attributes that have become hallmarks of her playing style. newidea.com.au
Living in the Netherlands also provided Mary with the opportunity to become fluent in Dutch, further integrating her into the local culture and footballing environment. This multicultural experience has contributed to her adaptability and tactical intelligence on the field.
After three years in the Netherlands, the Fowler family returned to Australia, where Mary continued her football development. She attended Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts and played for clubs such as Bankstown City and Illawarra Stingrays before signing her first professional contract with Adelaide United at the age of 16.
Mary’s Dutch experience has been instrumental in her evolution as a creative and intelligent forward for the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team. Her exposure to the Dutch footballing philosophy, which emphasizes technical proficiency and tactical awareness, has enriched her playing style and contributed to her success on the international stage.
See also:
Mary Fowler reveals the “sacrifices” on her journey to success
