When Chloe Middleton looks back on her football career she'll be sure to cast an eye towards the Southern Highlands.
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The 25-year old, who grew up playing for Moss Vale Soccer Club, recently signed with Canberra United.
Having spent over a decade chasing her professional dream in Wollongong and Sydney, Middleton said she hopes pathways for female players in the Highlands continue to grow.
"I went down the coast to play when I was 12," she explained.
"My mum drove me four times a week, she was amazing.
"Originally I played for Southern Branch in Nowra and then moved to Illawarra Stingrays who I've been with for 11 years now.
"Young girls don't have that great an opportunity in the Southern Highlands. I feel like there's not a lot of development for us girls so having something like that would be amazing."
Time spent at WNPL side Stingrays has helped Middleton break through to the top tier A-League Women, formerly the W-League.
Having moved from Western Sydney Wanderers to the nation's capital ahead of the 2021/22 season, Middleton said she was hoping to put what she has learned into practice under United coach Vicki Linton.
"I've always been working towards becoming a professional footballer," she said.
"Being in that environment at the Stingrays with Caitlin Cooper, Erica Halloway, they really push you and make you want to be better. Being around them makes you want to be a better footballer and compete at a high level every day.
"It was a good experience to be at the Wanderers. I'm thankful for everything they did and helping me become a better footballer.
"The opportunity came up with Canberra and Vicki. What she did with the Canberra United girls last year [semi-final] really made me want to join.
"I'm looking for an opportunity to be better and to play more games."
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