Callum has been combining playing with Bonnyrigg Rose and our Futsal Escocia first team. The 16 year old is technically gifted and has the potential to play at a higher level of football.
Last night he played against SPL side Dundee in the League Cup and we caught up with him to chat about it today.
How does it feel to be playing first team football?
Playing first team football is tough but I really enjoy the battle. It’s a totally different, so much more physical. You have no time on the ball, so you have to know what you are doing before you get it. But it’s a really good experience to help me develop
What are your ambitions for this season?
My ambitions for this season are to break fully into the first team, start games in the league and be involved in goals to help us win the league.
Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
In 5 years time, I want to be playing at the highest level I possibly can whether that’s in Scotland or elsewhere.
Football can be a roller coaster journey with lots of ups and downs. What are your ups and downs?
Football has lots of ups and downs, you just have to get on with and it keep the head down. I learnt this when I first moved to Bonnyrigg. It was a risk to leave Dunfermline where I was comfortable. When I first went to Bonnyrigg I wasn’t playing at all and considered leaving, but I worked hard and within a few months I got my opportunity and now look where I am.
My biggest up in football so far has to be playing against Dundee in the cup last night. It was a unbelievable experience playing against players such as Simon Murray, and battling with huge men in front of a big crowd.
Does the success of other futsal players help motivate you?
The success of others from futsal definitely motivates me as we are all making it together in our own way. Most of the boys that are making it, I have grown up with them and known them for ages. We still speak now, so it’s good to see all of us go from growing up together, going away to Spain (with futsal), and to where we all are now.
How did futsal help you in your development?
Futsal has helped my development by helping me be sharp in close spaces. It helped me express myself, as when I came into futsal I felt less pressure than on a football pitch, so I could try more skills that’s now come into my football game. It has helped me a lot.
Would you recommend futsal for any aspiring footballer?
I would 100% recommend futsal to anyone who wants to make it in football. It’s sharp and good for your fitness if you aren’t in a pro environment training every day. It is also good for your football brain as it speeds it up much more which will help you in the long run.
What advice would you have for any young player looking to become a footballer?
One bit of advice I would give to any young footballer trying to make it is just stick in and always believe in your ability on the pitch. When I realised this it helped me develop so much more especially coming into the first team. Obviously you can’t keep losing the ball, but you also can’t be scared to lose it, so go express yourself, but if you do lose it you have to react straight away and go win it back.
Everyone at Futsal Escocia is supporting you on your journey Callum. We don't want to lose you from our teams but we also want all our players to go on and fulfil their own ambitions.
