Sam Cooper
Current Club
St. Ives Town F.C.
Centre Back
Sam is a versatile, left-sided defender who excels as a left centre-back and left-back. He combines intelligent positioning with proactive ball progression, consistently driving forward from the back to break lines and initiate attacks. Operating from deeper zones, he leverages his rapid pace to cover space behind the defense, sweeping up balls played in-behind and turning defensive actions into tactically significant transitions. In possession, he is composed under opposition press, showing patience and clarity to find the free man, step past pressure, or switch play to reset tempo. Physically, Sam brings strength and resilience in duels, competes aerially, and protects the box with conviction.
Athlete Information
Current Club(s): St. Ives Town F.C. U18’s & St Ives Town FC Men’s Reserves - Step 6
Previous Club(s): Cambourne Town F.C.
Athletic Achievements: Thurlow Nunn Youth League Winners (2024/25), Huntingdonshire County Cup Winners (2024/25), Broke into St Ives Town Men’s Reserves age 16, Huntingdon Athletic Club (2018-2023) competed in South of England Championships 100m/200m
Academic Information
Study Major Preference: Biology
GPA: 3.1
English Literature - 5
English Language - 4
Mathematics - 5
Physics - 8
Biology - 7
Chemistry - 7
French - 1
Physical Education - 8
History - 6
Predicted A-Levels:
Biology - (A*)
Physical Education - (A)
Business - (B)
Placement Year
Fall 2026
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
December 18, 2007
Place of Birth
United Kingdom
Height
5 foot 11 inches
Weight
164 lbs
Preferred Foot
Left
“Sam is a intelligent young man who has a outstanding work ethic, this is my third season in a row coaching him and he has been nothing but a pleasure, both as a young man and as a incredible footballer. What really stands out for Sam is his athletic ability being both one of the fastest players I’ve come across aswell as having one of the best vertical jumps he is a asset to anytime, and that’s without talking about his ability as a player, Sam is extremely composed on the ball especially when stepping forward out of defence, his range of passing both short and long distance is fantastic and is always a threat during set pieces, his defending ability one on one is second to none this is due to his superb balance, understanding of the game and lighting fast speed, he has also grown head and shoulders in recent times with him now being a real leader on the football pitch, marshalling his back four and they look to him for assurance . Sam is predominantly a Centre back but is also versatile and has found himself enjoying his roll at Left Back whenever he plays there. Sam has been a very key part to the success him and his team has had over the last two years where we have only lost one game in that timeframe. However to a extent even more important than all this, Sam is a fantastic young man who is respectful and absorbs information, words will not do him enough justice and he will be the biggest asset to any team and classroom when the time comes for him to leave at the end of the season.”
“Sam joined our A-Level Biology course in September 2025, and I am pleased to provide this reference. He is a confident, intelligent and highly self-disciplined student who approaches his studies with reflection and rigour, demonstrating excellent attendance and a strong command of complex biological concepts. An independent and resourceful learner, he consistently performs at the top of his cohort, including achieving the second-highest result in the Wonky assessment. Sam’s written work is of an excellent standard, and he engages maturely and responsibly in all practical work. His intellect, work ethic and commitment position him strongly for success in a demanding science degree, and I recommend him without reservation for further academic study.”