Cooper keen to make big impression

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 3 December 2016

YOKOHAMA, Japan - An attack-minded fullback eager to learn more, Navy Blues youngster Sean Cooper is relishing his FIFA Club World Cup adventure.

The 18-year-old Cooper was called up to the Navy Blue senior team after impressing with the Junior Navy Blues in the National Youth League under Andy Peat.

A combination of injuries and form opened a door for Cooper to step through and after appearances against Hong Kong Rangers and SC Sagamihara, the future looks bright for the former MacLeans College pupil.

"Its been an amazing experience so far coming to Japan and learning about the culture.

"I've had game time in both friendly matches in Hong Kong and Japan as a substitute and its been an amazing experience to see the first team play and learning about the way they play.

"The FIFA Club World Cup is going to be a great experience and I hope I'm going to keep learning from that," he said.

Cooper, who likes to move the ball and link with the attack from a deep-lying fullback position is soaking up as much of the atmosphere in Japan as possible.

He had a taste of it sporadically in the first few weeks of the season but its clear he craves more.

"I'm with the team 24-7 and get to watch what they do and learn from what is as close to a professional environment as you can get.

AUDIO - Sean Cooper

"I trained a few times with the first team over a couple of weeks but every session is a high intensity and you improve a lot very quickly as a player because of that," he said.

Cooper's love of football started with his family but specifically his father who he says has been one of his biggest advocates.

"My family is very passionate about football and thats what got me playing to start with. I love the game and spent most of my life around it.

"My dad played for a long time but not anymore and he's been a great motivator for me as well," he said.

One sacrifice Cooper has had to make is leaving behind his National Youth League team-mates as thye attempt to win the Junior Navy Blues fifth ever National Youth League title.

The Junior Navy Blues, third, host top of the table Hamilton Wanderers at Epsom College on Sunday.

A win would see Auckland City FC leapfrog Hamilton Wanderers into top spot, depending on results elsewhere.

"I want to wish the team the best of luck for the game with Hamilton Wanderers.

"We're well prepared and its coming down to the end of the season and I'm sure we'll put in a great performance and get the points we need," he said.

While pushing for a starting berth may yet be some way away, Cooper has the potential to be an excellent back-up for the fullback berths and is keen to make an impression on Ramon Tribulietx and the Navy Blues coaching staff.

And he has his favourite teams and players on the world stage and more locally whom he models his game on.

"My favourite team is Manchester United and I like Dani Alves.

"Auckland City FC's fullback position is such an attacking role and Alves is great role model for me. Lionel Messi is amazing as well.

"Within the first team, Ryan De Vries is such a threat up front.

"He's so technical and great to watch. Takuya is an all round player and I keep watching him play and train and try to learn as much as I can."

Ends