MIA ENDERBY: The future of England
- Sophie Hodson
- Nov 6, 2024
- 3 min read
By Sophie Hodson (06/11/24)
Who is she?
Mia Enderby, born 31/5/2005, is an English exciting, versatile forward from Bradford who plays for Liverpool FC Women, as well as representing England at U19 level. The rising star is on a two year contract with Liverpool and recently stated in an interview prior to the 24/25 season “I’ll give it everything” implying we can expect exciting things from the 19 year old this year!
Background
From a very young age, Enderby has “always had a ball at her feet” according to her mum, Genna Enderby, starting her grassroots football at her local boys club at the U10 age group. However, joining this age group at the age of 8, meant Enderby could only participate in training but not play matches, which frustrated her.
A year later, the striker joined Eccleshill Junior Blues U9s and played through the U10s and U11s while also playing on the mixed team at Wellington Primary School. During this time, Enderby was the only girl playing for Eccleshill, and believes the judgemental comments from opponents or parents regarding her gender have made her into the player she is today.
When coming to the end of her time at Wellington Primary, her P.E teacher, Mr Edward’s, arranged for her to attend a PDC session in Leeds in the hopes for Enderby to showcase her talent and also experience in an all girls team. Subsequently, she completed the remaining seven PDC sessions and went on to trial for Leeds RTC, where she was offered a place and began her footballing journey here through to the U16s.
Senior career
After leaving Leeds, the rising talent was offered a professional contract with Sheffield United Women. Enderby recalls the opportunity being a “dream come true" to sign for the Blades and went on to make her mark in the Women's Championship, immediately bringing attention to her name. In an interview with one of her Sheffield United coaches, he spoke highly of Enderby, describing her as “the best 16 year old I’ve ever worked with” and believing “I don't think I’ve ever been in a team that didn’t need someone like Mia”.
Her two seasons spent in Sheffield captured breakthrough moments for Enderby, receiving several accolades for the club and herself. On the 29th August 2022, only a month after signing, she made her senior debut against Blackburn Rovers and went on to score her first goal in an FA cup tie against Stourbridge in December 2022. Her instant impact and contribution led to the striker collecting the ‘Young Player Of The Year’ award in the 2021/2022 season.
Enderby’s creative, fast and versatile play style beating defenders meant she was awarded 19 appearances with 12 starts, and as a result scored 9 goals in the 22/23 season. In that same season, her goal against Sunderland was also commended ‘Goal Of The Season’, signifying her dangerous threat to the rest of the league.
At the end of the 22/23 season, Enderby signed a two year contract with WSL side Liverpool FC Women. In an interview with Liverpool post the signing, the 18 year old spoke proudly, expressing how she felt "really honoured” and “pleased”, with it being a big moment for her and her family. She also commented “when I used to talk to my mum, I'd say all I wanted to be was a footballer and my dream was to become the best I can be for my club and country”.
With the the support from her new coach Matt Beard who told Liverpoolfc.com “I’m confident she’ll take the move in her stride”, the 23/24 season opened up new opportunities for the forward resulting in 20 appearances for the club and 2 goals. A year later, ahead of the 24/25 season, she is determined to continue performing at her highest standard for her Merseyside based club.
International Experience
Enderby has not only performed for her club, but has demonstrated her talent on the international stage as well, representing her country through youth ages in major tournaments. From U14 to U19, she has played for England which has enabled her to participate in the UEFA Women's U17 Euros, as well as the UEFA Women's U19 Euros. Over these years, she has scored some important goals for her country with a significant one being in the semi-finals of this year's U19 WEURO. Enderby has 21 youth caps with 5 goals, and hopes to win the Euros and the World Cup for England in the future.
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