The fairytale come-from-nowhere story surprised even those tracking the career of the 18-year-old striker who has made the unexpected leap from the NSW second tier to the Dutch top flight.

Only weeks after putting pen to paper with the 109-year-old club, Cooper admits he’s still in a state of shock.

“It’s all been a bit of a blur - I was offered a trial one Friday, then on the plane to the other side of the world the following Friday,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“Although I have travelled to the UK a few times with my parents, this was the first time I was travelling alone to an unknown place, to unknown people, with little knowledge as to how things were going to work.

“After the initial greetings, I was advised that I had one week to impress - the pressure was on. I know it’s a common saying but for me this really is a dream come true.

“The trialling process was tough but fair. They gave me enough time to demonstrate what type of player I was and what my qualities were.

“There were small sided games, shooting drills, passing drills, strength and conditioning training and then playing in the Copa del Agatha tournament for the U19s.”

Venlo’s technical manager Wim Dusseldorp obviously saw enough to be impressed by the versatile Aussie who can be deployed as a striker, attacking midfielder or winger.

"He is a talented player, who is keen to play in Europe,” Dusseldorp said.

“Recent weeks have seen him make an outstanding impression during training and in matches with the youth team.

“This was sufficient evidence for us to offer him a contract, because we are convinced that he will be of value to the club in the future.”

There is no doubting Cooper’s potential. An impressive stint with the Northern Tigers – including the golden boot in his debut season – and a standout showing in the Australian All Schools’ undefeated tour of the UK and Ireland last year hinted at something special.

But even the teenager from Pymble, Sydney, admits it’s a far cry from where he finds himself now. At a time when his peers are thinking about making the transition to the youth league or A-League, Cooper has been thrust straight into the big league.

“There were ongoing discussions with the Central Coast Mariners, who have been very supportive, but then VVV Venlo offered me a secure contract,” he said.

“I couldn't believe an opportunity to play in the highest division in Holland had come up. I hoped I had a chance and I knew I had to impress them from the start to make sure I had a shot.

“At the same time I was soaking everything in and enjoying the amazing experience. I still have my return ticket.”

It is unlikely he’ll get to use it anytime soon. Cooper has already tested out the bench and feels he’ll be given every opportunity to prove himself on the park.

“The coach was getting me used to the crowd and atmosphere, but if I perform I believe I will be given a shot at the first team,” he said.

There is no question his big break has arrived earlier than anyone expected, but the one-time Mariners’ target has never taken anything for granted.

He has spent years working with former Socceroo Robbie Wheatley and several intensive months under the guidance of UEFA Pro Licence coach Albin Mikulski, topping up his regular team training with four individual sessions a week with a view to heading overseas. Critically, it was Mikulski’s extensive network of European contacts that secured the priceless trial at Venlo.

Determined and armed with an English passport, Cooper already had the door half opened when opportunity knocked. Now he knows it’s up to him to make it stick.

“When I was sitting on the bench (for Venlo), there was a man waving an Australian flag in the crowd,” he said.

“I went over and had a chat with him before the game started which made me feel really welcome. He told me he would have his fingers crossed that I got on the park.”

If recent events are anything to go by, it could be sooner rather than later.