Player Story: Chloe Jeremic-West

When football crazy Chloe was told she was too young for walking football, she didn't let a little thing like age stop her. Read on to find out how she overcame those odds to not only coach the FDL Ladies team but also the Wales Women's Over 60s too.

Chloe Jeremic-West

I’ve been "football crazy" for as long as I can remember. As a lifelong Cardiff City season ticket holder, the sport has always been my pulse, having played throughout my youth and teens. However, the post-pandemic period left me looking for a way to get active again. In April 2023, I discovered a local walking football session and was immediately hooked.

There was just one catch: at 28, I was too young to play competitively. But I wasn't about to let that stop me. I convinced my Mam to join so I could stay involved, helping her at tournaments and league days. Little did I know, this "plus-one" role would soon evolve into a career on the touchline.

Stepping into Leadership

By October 2023, I was asked to take on a coaching role with my local club. By January 2025, a bigger vision started to form. Along with two players, we decided to build something of our own. That was the birth of Fleur-de-Lys (FDL) Ladies Walking Football Club. We launched in June 2025, and as we approach our first anniversary, the growth has been staggering. We went from worrying if we’d have enough for a five-a-side to seeing 15 players at our first session. Today, the "Flamingos" have two teams in the league. #UppaFlamingos!

My coaching journey also took an international turn in early 2025 when I became the Wales Women’s Over 60s coach. I had been traveling with my Mam to her sessions and noticed the women were often left to their own devices or forced to join the men. I offered to step in, and it led to one of my proudest achievements: coaching the team at the World Championships in Malmo and a memorable trip to Bedford for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland (including the infamous Saturday night quiz!).

Making History

Perhaps the most significant moment of my coaching career so far was coaching the first-ever Over 65s Women’s international game against England. Being part of that specific milestone was incredibly emotional. To see women in that age bracket finally getting the opportunity to represent their country in a dedicated international fixture was historic. It wasn't just about the score; it was about the recognition of a demographic that has often been overlooked in the sport.

Connections and Community

The best part of this journey has been the "walking football family." I’ve met people from every imaginable background who are now some of my closest friends. There is a unique magic in seeing people come together for the love of the game; it’s a community that provides a sense of belonging I haven't found anywhere else.

Looking Ahead

I still have three and a half years before I can officially play, but my ambitions are higher than ever. For FDL Ladies, I want us to continue growing into the "machine" I know we can be. For Wales, our goal is the semi-finals in the Winter Nations Tournament this September. We aren't just "walking"; we’re paving the way for every generation of women to keep playing the game they love.

Follow Chloe's team FDL Ladies Walking Football team by clicking on the badge to go to their Facebook page