NI and Bradford defender Cooper signs for Glens

With a view to her future, Khloe is set for a new challenge having returned home to Northern Ireland, signing for Glentoran Ladies. She is also hoping to attract the attention of Senior Women’s team manager Kenny Shiels.

Cooper set out on her football journey playing at Carnmoney before making the move across to the mainland.

“I first became interested in football around the age of 7-years old and would have played it at school, at home in the garden and on the street,” said Khloe.

“As I got older I was involved in a variety of sports such as dancing, swimming and netball where I represented Northern Ireland at U13 and U15 level before I made the decision that football was the sport for me.

“My friend’s dad Steven Lowry started up a local football team called Carnmoney FDC and that is where it all began.

“Carnmoney FDC then turned into an all girls team - Carnmoney Ladies and I played for them for seven years from under 11s to open age, being made captain throughout the years.

“When I was 15 years old Steven was in contact with clubs in England and I had trials for York RTC, Leeds United RTC and Leeds United Ladies.

“I was successful at all the trials but I decided to go to Leeds United Ladies as there was a clear pathway into their senior women’s team.

“Steven and all my other coaches at Carnmoney Ladies knew how strong my passion for football was and they all wanted me to succeed.”

Moving away from home, club and friends is a daunting prospect for a 15-year old, thankfully the young defender had the backing of her family, in particular her mum Tina.

“It was hard when we moved at first as I had to start a new school but I had my family supporting me.

“We all decided to move over together which meant my sister Jodie and I were able to attend the same high school.

“My mum has had the most influence on my career, she really is my biggest supporter.

“From the first day she took me down to Glengormley Park to start football training sessions with Carnmoney FDC to my last game for Bradford City Women.

“She has always been there on the side-line or in the stands to support and watch me play.

“She would drive me anywhere I needed to be, taking me to all my home games and driving me to all the away games. Sun, snow, wind or rain she would never miss a game.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my mum. She moved to England just for me to play football, giving up her job, clubs and activities all so I could do what I love.

“I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement over the years. My sister also made a big commitment to help me achieve my goals, by giving up her friends, family and her passion for dance.

“I loved playing football in England, the style of football is completely different to Northern Ireland and after I made the move over, I knew it was the best decision for me.

Cooper, an avid Liverpool fan, settled well into the Leeds United oufit, captaining their Under-16s to a league and cup double.

“I remember my first game for Leeds - what a great start to the season we had. We won the first match 8-0 and I scored my first goal for them. That was a really great way to kick off my career with a new team.”

Despite her success at the Elland Road club, the young footballer wanted to test herself at a higher level and after one season with Leeds United Ladies, she moved to Bradford City Women who play in the FA Women’s National League Division One North.

“After having a full successful season for Leeds United Ladies U16s, I thought it was best to move on to another club playing in a higher division to challenge myself,” added Cooper.

“After playing at U18s level at the age of 16 for a season at Bradford City Women, I was then made captain for my second season which we finished second in the league.

“Moving into my third season with the club I wanted another challenge so I moved up to the Reserves team where I was handed the Captain’s armband. That season we finished mid table, however, in the second half of the season I also got minutes for the first team competing in the Northern Premier Division 1.”

Having spent three years at Bradford City Khloe made the decision to return home, having taken the decision to concentrate on her education with a view to her future when her playing days come to an end.

“After three seasons in which I had worked my way up to become Captain of the Reserves at the age of 17 and also having ended my season playing for the First team, I thought it was time for a new challenge and so my family and I made the decision to come home to Northern Ireland.

“When I was in England I coached a team called Guiseley Juniors for three years, working with girls and boys aged 4-8 years old.

“I had also completed a Level 3 BTEC course in England and so I decided I wanted to open my career path and learn more about the gym environment. When I get older I would like to either work in coaching full time or work as a primary school P.E teacher. “At the moment I am completing a personal training course at Belfast Met Titanic Quarter campus as I really enjoy being able to help people to achieve their health and fitness goals. My aim in the next few years is to graduate from university and work in a sporting environment

being able to give back to others in the same way people have looked after me over the years.”Khloe Cooper may be focusing on her long term career prospects, however, her love of football and ambition remains and playing for her country again is very much on her radar.

“I have recently signed for Glentoran Women and I am really looking forward to the new challenges I will face with them throughout the season.

“If things go well there, hopefully I can show Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels what I can do. Two years ago having had a couple of successful seasons with Bradford I received an email from Alfie Wylie to come and train with the squad. I went on to travel with the Under-19s playing friendlies as well as competing in the Euros where we progressed to the Elite rounds.

“I would love to be involved with Northern Ireland again. Hopefully once I get back to training and playing with Glentoran Ladies after the lockdown is lifted, I can show what I’m capable of - all it takes is hard work, motivation and wanting to be successful.”