Cooper Renzulli signs with Walsall Football Club in England

A Peregian Beach student is steps closer to his pro football dream after a major contract signing amid a growing trend of the region’s talented players moving further afield.

Peregian Beach College student Cooper Renzulli who has recently signed a professional academy contract with Walsall Football Club in the English Football League 2 division. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast Fire FC product and Peregian Beach College student Cooper Renzulli has edged another step closer to his elite level dream after signing an academy contract with Walsall FC in the English League Two competition.

Renzulli, 15, who previously played for Coolum FC, is a central attacking midfielder who began playing football at six-years-old.

The grade nine student and keen Brighton and Hove Albion FC fan said he was excited for the coming months.

“The whole family is moving over to England and we’re planning on living in Birmingham as I’ll train, play and go to school there full time,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to playing, to see the level of how good they are and comparing my qualities.

“It’s a dream to play professionally and this is a big step forward for me.”

Cooper Renzulli showing his skills. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Renzulli, who has played in Queensland and Sunshine Coast representative teams, is also a Sunshine Coast Wave futsal player.

Fire and Peregian Beach academy director Melvyn Wilkes said he was proud of Renzulli’s efforts.

“Cooper’s all talent, he’s a player we’ve had on the radar for a while and I have no doubt he’ll push on,” Wilkes said.

“He played for our under 23s in pre-season this year but because of Football Queensland’s rules and regulations he couldn’t play up or challenge himself at the level he needs.

“Cooper’s parents approached me as they were heading over to the UK and wondered if there was something I could help organise so I began speaking and gaining interest from a number of clubs.

“Walsall gives him the tools to kick on and build from league two as Birmingham’s catchment area includes Aston Villa, Wolves, West Brom and more.”

Wilkes said he hoped to provide similar pathways for other promising footballers in the region.

“I’d say there’s about 10 or 11 kids that have the capabilities to crack into other professional environments and now we have players in talks with clubs in Holland, Leicester and one in the North East of England,” he said.

“We created the program to develop players and assist the process in Australia but the program keeps taking backwards steps and players and parents are getting frustrated.

“There’s no Brisbane Roar youth academy anymore and they’re playing nine a side U13 and U14 competitions while kids the same age in Europe are beginning to carve out their professional careers.

“People will wonder why we’re taking the best kids out of Australia but the way the game is going, families are now looking at overseas options and we’re trying to provide them with the best exit route that suits them.”

Originally published as Cooper Renzulli signs with Walsall Football Club in England