KINGSCLIFF High student and footballer Daisy Cook, 15, is making her mark on the “world game” at state level in Queensland.

A defensive midfielder, Cook is part of Brisbane Premier League side Souths United and one day hopes to represent Australia and secure a footballing scholarship for a university in the competitive American college system.

The highly focussed and driven teen is unwavering in her commitment to the sport and has made big sacrifices for someone so young.

“I train Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Varsity, Gold Coast and play games on weekends,” Cook said.

“I miss out on hanging out with friends and socialising, but sacrificing a social life for this is fine because football is what I want to do.”

After Cook took up the game just a few years ago, her ascension from Northern Rivers club player to state level has been swift.

While playing for Pottsville, Cook took charge of her footballing destiny and stepped up to a higher level with Kingscliff Football Club, which is where her talent was identified.

“When I was playing for Kingscliff, the state coach (Gary French) came and did some training sessions with us and mentioned he did some private training also,” Cook said. “So I started doing that once a week at the end of the season and he was going up to Souths and asked me to trial, so I went up and made it.”

One of the youngest in the side, Cook said she has adjusted to the higher skill level and faster pace well.

Cook is also part of Kingscliff High’s Sports Excellence Program and has been chosen for an international tour to America in 2016, which will take her to California and Hong Kong for a once in a lifetime chance at challenging herself on the world stage.

Kingscliff High’s sporting program assists athletes like Daisy in accessing tutoring and specialised training sessions to prepare them for the professional sporting life while gaining a great education.

All-rounder Cook also excels in other sports such as running, volleyball and touch and is already planning a career post-retirement in the sporting field – specialising in sports physiotherapy or coaching.

Cook knows where she wants to go and with the support of her family, is determined to achieve what she set out to with football.

Cook acknowledged her family’s commitment as well. “My parents put in a lot of time and effort and I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Cook said.