Mary Earps, the England Lionesses goalkeeper, recently made a bold move to PSG, leaving Manchester United behind. She described her experience in Paris as a totally different challenge that she was seeking, highlighting the growth of the team and the incredible state-of-the-art training campus that drew her to the club. In comparison to her previous training facilities in England, PSG’s new complex stands out as a gold standard in women’s football, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
The £250m investment in the training centre showcases PSG’s commitment to creating an environment that allows players to reach their full potential. Earps commended the club for integrating the women’s team into this vision of excellence, emphasizing the importance of having what you need to succeed. She sees PSG as the best place for her to improve and become the best version of herself, pushing beyond her previous successes.
While adjusting to life in France has presented challenges such as learning a new language and adapting to a different style of play, Earps is embracing the experience and believes that leaving the Women’s Super League will benefit her career growth. Her arrival at PSG coincided with the club’s strong performance in the Premiere Ligue, where they are challenging European giants Lyon for the title.
As an advocate for growing the women’s game, Earps acknowledges the progress that has been made but also highlights the ongoing battles and the need for continued improvement and support, especially at the grassroots level. She hopes that the women’s game will continue to strengthen, allowing players to focus solely on football without external distractions.
PSG’s commitment to investing in the women’s team and providing top-notch facilities is a testament to their ambitions and sets a new standard for other European clubs to follow. By prioritizing off-pitch success as well as on-pitch achievements, PSG is paving the way for a new era in women’s football where players can thrive and reach new heights. Mary Earps’ journey to PSG exemplifies the shift towards prioritizing women’s football and creating a supportive environment for players to excel.
