Mary Fowler talks about having to live in cars and tents with her large family on her way to football stardom

Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has spoken about her humble beginnings – including sleeping in tents and sometimes living in a car – and how those difficult times paved her way to international football stardom.

The Manchester City winger – who is just 21 – is preparing for her second Olympic Games in Paris next July.

It’s a process that began at Trinity Beach in Cairns when Fowler was starting school.

Along with her four siblings, she spent countless hours participating in “mini-Olympics,” which involved running races, throwing sticks, and kicking a soccer ball.

“It was really fun (at Trinity Beach),” Fowler recalled.

Mary Fowler (pictured second right, with her family) has four siblings – and spent many nights as a child sleeping in the family car or in tents.

Fowler’s father, Kevin (right), met his wife Nido while passing through his village in Papua New Guinea.

“After school we went to the beach and that’s where we spent most of our time.

“We took small challenges and made it a competitive game because there were so many of us.”

With many mouths to feed, money was not plentiful for the Fowler family.

Sometimes they slept in cars and tents, but Fowler believes those difficult days help her overcome life’s adversity, even as she now lives her dream as a professional soccer player.

“It was difficult, but it’s something that has been a strength for our family; we take things as they are and make the most of them,” Fowler told Wide World of Sports.

“That’s how I’ve lived my life ever since. It’s just about making the most of what you have and trying to focus on the good. So I think a lot of lessons came from that.

“But there have also been sacrifices that I do not take lightly. It made me the person I am today.

Athletically gifted, a raw Fowler made her debut for the Matildas aged just 15

Off the field, Fowler is dating NRL superstar Nathan Cleary, with the pair confirming their relationship last year

Fowler is now a globally recognized athlete after her exploits at the 2023 World Cup.

The electrifying winger plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League in England.

His father Kevin is Irish and he married Nido, who grew up in a village in Papua New Guinea.

Kevin Fowler also believes sleeping in caravan parks and tents kept his five children grounded, with the family car nicknamed “Hotel Tarago” due to how often all seven members of the family stayed at the interior of the vehicle.

Athletically gifted, Fowler quickly attracted the attention of Queensland representative recruiters, representing the state in an under-12 tournament at the age of just 10.

The family then moved to Europe, where Fowler represented BVV Barendrecht in the Netherlands until he was 14.

The Young Matildas followed, before Matildas coach Alen Stajcic handed the ace striker a senior cap.

Fowler was only 15 years old.

Stajcic – the current coach of the Perth Glory men’s team – immediately recognized that Fowler had a special talent, highlighting his technique and explosiveness.

Fast forward to 2024 and Fowler is a hero to countless football fans around the world – and his long-distance relationship with NRL superstar Nathan Cleary ensures plenty of attention off the field too.

Fowler shared a photo of herself on Instagram showing her relaxing on a beach in Far North Queensland, where she visited family in Cairns for Christmas last year.

His exploits at last year’s World Cup on home soil confirmed his status as a true superstar – and with Matildas captain Sam Kerr not playing in Paris due to a knee injury, all eyes will be turned towards Fowler.

Not that that worries him.

Teammate Steph Catley believes “the sky is the limit” for Fowler, who is ready to dazzle the crowds as the Matildas chase an Olympic medal.

“I get a huge thrill from being able to help the team by scoring a goal or getting an assist. As a striker, that’s my role,” Fowler said.

“I think being able to do this on a big stage, in a big tournament, in front of my friends and family, makes it even more special.

“When I imagine myself at the Olympic Games, this is what I repeat to myself.”