Chloe Lincoln’s football journey began in grassroots competitions in northern NSW, where she first played alongside school friends and fell in love with the game.
From there, opportunities with Northern Inland Football and an early shift into goalkeeping helped set the direction for what was to come. Experiences she now reflects on as the foundation of everything that followed, including her selection in the Matildas squad for their match against Mexico in Newcastle on Saturday.
“The big memories that stand out for me when I was little was playing for the little grassroots team and with all my friends from school,” Lincoln said.
“I had the best time doing that and then was lucky enough to play for Northern Inland Football which was one of the best experiences ever.
“When I was around 10, 11, 12 I started to put my hand up for goalkeeping a bit more and had some great teammates that supported me doing that and some great coaches.
“Those were probably my fondest memories.”
Throughout her time with Northern Inland Football, Lincoln’s parents played a key role in supporting her development, regularly travelling to Tamworth and Coffs Harbour, something she now recognises as significant in her journey.
“I wouldn't be where I am today without my parents driving me around and those are the sort of people that you're going to need to lean on,” Lincoln said.
“Just making sure that you're expressing your thanks to them and showing how grateful you are by going out and enjoying your football and giving it 100 per cent.
“It's nice to see some reward in their [my parents] sacrifices and in the sacrifices that I've made as well to put myself in this position.”
Lincoln credited much of her early development to the coaches and pathways she experienced during her time with Northern Inland Football, with those environments playing a key role in shaping her progression as a young player.
Growing up in a regional area, she said access to structured opportunities in surrounding centres helped bridge the gap to higher-level football and provided important exposure during her formative years.
“There’s a lot of coaches when I was playing for Northern Inland Football, who had a big impact on me when I was younger,” Lincoln said.
“Having those pathways, especially in the more regional areas are so important.
“It's a bit harder when you're living in those sorts of areas to pursue these kinds of opportunities.
“So having those opportunities in surrounding towns like Tamworth and Coffs [Harbour], which are a little bit closer than the hubs like Newcastle is really amazing for girls and boys who were in similar positions to what I was.
“It allowed me to really have that exposure to a bit of a higher-level training when I was younger, which I think made a big difference as I was getting older and coming into some more competitive environments.”
Looking back on her journey, Lincoln said she is proud of her younger self for stepping outside her comfort zone and continuing to back herself through uncertainty.
“I'm just pretty proud of the little kid who was probably pretty scared at times and definitely out of her comfort zone,” Lincoln said.
“At the end of the day she just gave it her best and had a crack and put herself in those positions, I think that's probably what I'm most proud.”
A major part of Lincoln’s journey recently included a late call-up to the Matildas squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
The late addition saw her join as an injury replacement, with Lincoln making her tournament debut in Australia’s opening match against the Philippines, keeping a clean sheet.
“It's hard to describe. I think every time I get asked about it all I can think of is that it was just a whirlwind and one that I'm so incredibly grateful for,” Lincoln said.
“Sometimes these opportunities come your way and it's a bit scary, it's a bit daunting and it didn't happen the conventional way.
“But putting yourself in a position where you can go out, take it with both hands and embrace it while trying your best to make the most of those opportunities that come your way.
“That was what I tried to do and tried to keep reminding myself throughout that whole experience.
“It was absolutely incredible and such an honour to be a part of that squad.”
Now Lincoln’s journey has brought her back to Newcastle, a city she considers a second home.
“It's so special and I'm so grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a part of this camp and go back to Newcastle, my old stomping grounds,” Lincoln said.
“My grandparents are actually able to come to this game as well, which I haven't seen them in almost a year.
“They haven't seen me be part of the Matildas team live and it's times like these where you just really reflect on the people that helped you to get to where you are.
“It's so special to be able to share that with friends and family in the area, it might not be quite my hometown, but it is definitely the closest major city and feels like an extended part of home anyway.
“I'm so excited, it's so special to get to share that with not just friends and family, but also the fans too.”
Don’t miss out on watching Chloe Lincoln and the Matildas take on Mexico at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night, with kick-off at 7.15pm.
Get your tickets HERE.