Mary Earps to Score with Nike U-Turn as Goalkeeper Shirts Hit the Market

Nike Agrees to Sell Mary Earps Goalkeeper Shirts Following Backlash

The England women’s football team goalkeeper, Mary Earps, made headlines during the Women’s World Cup for her impressive performance, which earned her the tournament’s Golden Glove award. However, there was a public outcry when Nike, the global sports company, refused to sell replicas of her green jersey. In response to the backlash, Nike has now agreed to retail “limited quantities” of goalkeeper jerseys for four teams it provided kits for – England, US, France, and the Netherlands.

Public Support and Pressure

A petition in support of Earps, which called for recognition of “all female goalkeepers around the world,” has garnered more than 150,000 signatures. Conservative MP Tracey Crouch also submitted a motion in parliament urging Nike to release the goalkeeper jersey. The public pressure and support for Earps and women’s goalkeepers compelled Nike to reconsider its initial decision.

Nike‘s Response and Future Plans

Initially, Nike suggested that goalkeeper jerseys would only be available for future tournaments. However, a company spokesperson later announced that the jerseys would soon be on sale through each team’s federation website, although the specific details regarding quantities and timing were not disclosed. Nike affirmed its commitment to retailing women’s goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future.

Nike‘s Position in Women’s Sport

Nike has positioned itself as a leader in women’s sport and claimed to have invested more in this year’s Women’s World Cup than in any other global tournament to date. Despite this, the company faced criticism for its lack of availability of goalkeeper jerseys, an issue that highlighted the disparity and undervaluation of women’s sports in comparison to men’s.

The Impact on Young Aspiring Goalkeepers

Mary Earps expressed her disappointment and concern, particularly for young aspiring goalkeepers who may feel less important than outfield players due to the unavailability of goalkeeper jerseys. She emphasized that this sends a message that goalkeeping is less significant than other positions and may contribute to a lower participation rate among young athletes.

Challenges Faced by Athletic Wear Brands

Athletic wear brands often face challenges in producing goalkeeper jerseys due to their smaller fanbase and the separate manufacturing runs required for their distinctive designs. However, supporters of Earps argued that the availability of goalkeeper jerseys for the men’s England team demonstrates that this issue could be addressed. Earps acknowledged that her goalkeeper shirt for Manchester United in the Women’s Super League sold out last season, further highlighting the demand and market potential for women’s goalkeeper jerseys.

Editorial: A Sign of Progress in Women’s Football

The decision by Nike to sell Mary Earps goalkeeper jerseys after initially refusing to do so is an important step forward for women’s football. It showcases the power of public opinion and the growing demand for gender equality in sport. The public support for Earps and women’s goalkeepers demonstrates that fans are ready to champion their favorite players, regardless of their positions on the field.

This incident also highlights the continued challenges that women’s sports face, particularly in terms of recognition and representation. It is crucial to address the disparity between men’s and women’s sports and ensure that female athletes receive equal treatment and opportunities.

Athletic wear brands, like Nike, have a responsibility to promote and support women’s sports. By investing in the production and retail of goalkeeper jerseys, Nike can contribute to the increased visibility and validation of female goalkeepers. This will not only benefit athletes like Mary Earps but also inspire young girls to pursue their dreams of becoming goalkeepers.

Advice: Fostering Support for Women’s Football

As fans and consumers, we can contribute to the growth of women’s football by actively supporting and promoting the sport. Here are a few ways to foster support:

1. Attend Matches and Tournaments

Show your support by attending women’s football matches and tournaments. By filling the stadiums and creating a vibrant atmosphere, we can demonstrate the popularity and interest in the sport.

2. Purchase Official Merchandise

Support female athletes by purchasing official merchandise, including jerseys and other team apparel. This not only helps in financially supporting the players and teams but also contributes to the demand for women’s football products.

3. Engage on Social Media

Use social media platforms to amplify the voices of female players and women’s football in general. Share highlights, news, and positive stories about women’s football to help increase its visibility and generate conversations.

4. Support Women’s Football Initiatives

Get involved in organizations and initiatives that promote and empower women’s football. This can be through volunteering, coaching, or sponsoring events and programs focused on advancing the sport at all levels.

By actively participating and supporting women’s football, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.