Copeland a forward played for his local team Ayr Parkhouse before joining Walsall Town Swifts in 1893 where he featured in 76 matches and scoring on 19 occasions. After playing for Bedminster in 1898-99, Copeland joined Tottenham Hotspur where he was a member of the 1901 FA Cup winning side. He moved on to Chelsea in 1905 and featured in 26 matches and finding the net nine times. Copeland ended his career at Glossop North End where he made a further two appearances.