Instructions
Welcome! This worksheet explores the world of football through one of its brightest stars, Mary Earps. You will use your English skills to learn about her story and your artistic imagination to create ideas inspired by her. Read each section carefully and complete the activities.
Part 1: English - The Queen of Stops
Read the short biography about Mary Earps and then answer the questions that follow.
Mary Earps is celebrated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. She plays for Manchester United in the Women's Super League and is the number one goalkeeper for the England national team, also known as the Lionesses. Her journey to the top has been one of incredible resilience.
After being left out of the England squad for nearly two years, many thought her international career was over. However, she worked tirelessly to improve her skills and earned her place back, becoming a key player in the team's success. She was instrumental in the Lionesses' victory at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
In 2023, she received the prestigious Golden Glove award at the FIFA Women's World Cup for being the tournament's best goalkeeper. Beyond her amazing saves, Mary is an influential figure off the pitch. She is known for her powerful advocacy for goalkeepers. When she discovered that fans could not buy a replica of her England shirt, she spoke out, leading to a major sports brand releasing the shirt, which then sold out in minutes. Her passion and leadership have inspired millions, and in 2023, she was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Activity 1: Comprehension Check
- Which two teams does Mary Earps play for?
- What is an example of the resilience Mary Earps has shown in her career?
- What issue did Mary Earps use her influence to advocate for?
- What prestigious award did she win at the 2023 Women's World Cup?
Activity 2: Vocabulary Builder
Match the bold words from the text to their correct definitions below by writing the correct letter in the blank.
- 1. Resilience ____
- 2. Prestigious ____
- 3. Influential ____
- 4. Advocacy ____
Definitions:
- A. Having great power to affect someone or something.
- B. Public support for a particular cause or policy.
- C. The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- D. Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.
Activity 3: Creative Writing
Imagine you are Mary Earps just before a crucial penalty shootout. The stadium is roaring, and the world is watching. In a short paragraph, describe what is going through your mind. What are you focused on? What do you feel?
Part 2: Art - Design and Inspire
Use your creativity to complete the following art-based challenges.
Activity 4: Goalkeeper Kit Design
Mary Earps is known for her bold and colourful kits. Your task is to design a new goalkeeper kit for her. You don't have to draw it, but you must describe it in detail below. Explain your creative choices.
- Colours: What main colours would you choose and why? Do they represent her personality, her team, or something else?
- Pattern: Would the kit have a pattern (e.g., geometric shapes, lightning bolts, an abstract design)? Describe it.
- Special Details: Would you add any special symbols or details, like a small lion on the sleeve or an inspiring word stitched on the collar?
Activity 5: Create a Slogan
Create a powerful and catchy slogan for a poster featuring Mary Earps. The slogan should be short (3-8 words) and capture her spirit as an athlete and role model. After writing your slogan, explain what it means in one sentence.
Slogan:
Explanation:
Answer Key
Part 1: English
Activity 1: Comprehension Check
- She plays for Manchester United and the England national team (the Lionesses).
- She worked her way back into the England team to become the number one goalkeeper after being left out of the squad for nearly two years.
- She advocated for fans to be able to buy replica goalkeeper shirts.
- She won the Golden Glove award.
Activity 2: Vocabulary Builder
- Resilience: C
- Prestigious: D
- Influential: A
- Advocacy: B
Activity 3: Creative Writing
Answers will vary. A good answer should mention focusing on the ball/player, blocking out the crowd noise, and feeling a mix of pressure, determination, and confidence.
Part 2: Art
Activity 4: Goalkeeper Kit Design
Answers will vary. Look for creative ideas with clear justifications. For example: "The kit would be electric blue and bright yellow to stand out. It would have a pattern of jagged lines like a heartbeat monitor to show passion and energy. A small detail would be the word 'Unbeatable' stitched inside the collar."
Activity 5: Create a Slogan
Answers will vary. Slogans should be short, powerful, and relevant. For example:
- Slogan: "Nothing Gets Past Her."
- Explanation: This refers to both her skill at stopping goals and her determination to overcome challenges.
- Slogan: "Lead. Inspire. Defend."
- Explanation: This highlights her three key roles as a leader, a role model, and a goalkeeper.