Cooper Nielsen
CCAA – The King's University
Alberta, Canada
From: Redlands United FC / Samford Rangers FC (NPL Queensland)
CCAA placement - The King's University, Edmonton, Alberta (2025)
The Journey
Cooper Nielsen is a centre back from Queensland who became one of Upper 90 College's first Canadian collegiate placements when he signed with The King's University in Edmonton, Alberta in 2025. Developed through Moreton Bay United FC's youth academy in Queensland, Cooper progressed to senior football with Redlands United FC in the NPL Queensland U23 competition and Samford Rangers in the Football Queensland Premier League. His defensive composure, aerial presence, and ability on the ball drew the attention of Todd Van Driel, head coach of The King's University Eagles since 2017. The King's University competes in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) under the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) — Canada's national governing body for college and smaller university athletics. The program has produced notable talent, including Noah Bilodeau, the 2025 CCAA Men's Soccer Player of the Year. Cooper committed in mid-2025 and departed for Edmonton in August for pre-season training, becoming one of the first Australians to join the TKU Eagles men's soccer program through the Upper 90 College pathway.
Challenges Overcome
Cooper did not hold a Canadian passport, making the visa process more complex than a typical domestic recruitment. The King's University head coach Todd Van Driel worked through the study permit logistics to bring Cooper to Edmonton, where he joined a program on the rise in the ACAC North Division.
Achievements
Signed with The King's University (Edmonton, Alberta) in 2025 for the 2026-27 ACAC season. Developed through Moreton Bay United FC youth academy. Played NPL Queensland U23 with Redlands United and FQPL with Samford Rangers. Program produced 2025 CCAA Men's Soccer Player of the Year (Noah Biladeau).
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