Callum’s football story began when he was just four years old, playing for his local club Sylvans FC. Over the years, he also represented the Island Academy team, showcasing his skills on a larger stage. Interestingly, Callum didn’t start his career as a goalkeeper. “I started out playing in midfield and still play outfield for my school team,” he shared. “Our regular keeper was away for a tournament, so I went in goal. I had a great tournament and have been playing as a goalkeeper ever since.” 

This switch has turned out to be a pivotal moment for Callum, opening doors he never imagined. When he attended a UK Football Trials event, his goal was simple: to measure himself against other players his age and gain valuable feedback. The results far exceeded his expectations. 

After a strong performance during the trial, Callum was thrilled to learn that both Hull City and Rotherham were interested in him. “The clubs were in touch with my parents via email on the same day we found out I had been scouted,” Callum said. “Because we’re outside the normal recruiting area, they invited me to train with their academy teams during the next school holidays.” 

Callum’s upcoming trials will take place during February half-term, where he’ll train with both Hull City and Rotherham’s academy teams. Additionally, Rotherham has offered to arrange one-on-one sessions with their goalkeeping coaches, further helping him develop his skills. 

Reflecting on the UK Football Trials experience, Callum credits the coaches for creating an environment that allowed him to shine. “The drills were set up perfectly to show off my skills,” he said. “The coaches were amazing and made me feel very relaxed. I wasn’t stressed and actually forgot about the scouts, which helped me focus.” 

One of Callum’s standout moments during the trial was a triple save he made during a game. “I stopped a shot heading for the bottom corner, pushed it into one of their strikers, and saved his shot and the follow-up,” he recounted with pride. Another unforgettable moment was receiving his scorecard, which was filled with all ‘A’s. “That never happens at school!” he joked. 

When asked why he chose to attend UK Football Trials, Callum explained, “I wanted to see how I compared to other players my age and gain experience with coaches that I don’t get at home.” 

Would he recommend UK Football Trials to others? “Definitely. It was well-organised, and it does exactly what it promises. I got the chance to play in front of scouts and earned two opportunities to train at academies.”