Callum Watson (footballer)

{{Infobox football biography

|name = Callum Watson

|image = Callum Watson post-match press conference (October 6, 2024).jpg

|alt =

|caption = Callum in 2024

|fullname =

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|2|28|df=y}}

|birth_place = Chelmsford, England

|height = {{height|m=1.80}}

|position = Midfielder

|currentclub = Chattanooga FC

|clubnumber = 8

|youthyears1 = 2011–2016

|youthclubs1 = Colchester United

|youthyears2 = 2016

|youthclubs2 = AFC Sudbury

|collegeyears1 = 2018–2019

|college1 = Hastings Broncos

|collegecaps1 = 38

|collegegoals1 = 14

|collegeyears2 = 2020–2022

|college2 = Creighton Bluejays

|collegecaps2 = 51

|collegegoals2 = 6

|years1 = 2016–2017 |clubs1 = AFC Sudbury |caps1 = 7 |goals1 = 0

|years2 = 2023 |clubs2 = AFC Sudbury |caps2 = 0 |goals2 = 0

|years3 = 2023 |clubs3 = HFX Wanderers |caps3 = 24 |goals3 = 3

|years4 = 2024– |clubs4 = Chattanooga FC |caps4 = 17 |goals4 = 1

|nationalyears1 =

|nationalteam1 =

|nationalcaps1 =

|nationalgoals1 =

|club-update = 6 October 2024

|nationalteam-update =

}}

Callum Watson (born 28 February 2000) is an English professional football player who plays for Chattanooga FC in MLS Next Pro.

Early life

Watson played youth football with Colchester United for five years, until he was sixteen, when he was released due to being too small.{{cite web|url=https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/sudbury/sport/watson-is-thankful-to-afc-after-first-pro-deal-9297119/|title=Callum Watson thankful to AFC Sudbury after signing professional contract with Canadian Premier League side Halifax Wanderers|date=2 February 2023|work=Suffolk News|first=Russell|last=Claydon}} Afterwards, he then joined the AFC Sudbury academy program.

College career

In 2018, Watson headed to the United States, through the U.S Sports Scholarships organization, which helps English footballers attend an American post-secondary institution to earn a degree and play college soccer.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussportsscholarships.com/afc-sudbury-partner-milestone/|title=AFC Sudbury – Celebrating 5 Years of Partnership|date=July 13, 2022|work=U.S Sports Scholarships}} He joined Hastings College and played for their men's soccer team in the NAIA.{{cite web|url=https://www.hastingsbroncos.com/sports/msoc/2019-20/bios/Callum_Watson|title=Callum Watson Hastings profile|work=Hastings Broncos}} He made his debut on October 26, 2018 against the Bethany Bison, scoring his first goal and adding two assists in a 5-0 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.hastingstribune.com/sports/hc-men-s-soccer-opens-year-with-win/article_bbfd3bc4-a9fd-11e8-83da-476befa35e47.html|title=HC men's soccer opens year with win|first=Nick|last=Blasntiz|date=August 27, 2018|work=Hastings Tribune}} In his first season, he won the conference title as well as the conference tournament title.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussportsscholarships.com/america-soccer-scholarships/|title=Our Client Shares His Experiences of a Soccer Scholarship in America|date=July 2019|work=U.S Sports Scholarships}} He was named a GPAC First Team All-Star in both 2018 and 2019.{{cite journal|url=https://www.hastingsbroncos.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20181112_Whitehall_and_Tello_GPAC_Players_of_the_Year_Eight_Broncos_Honored|title=Whitehall and Tello GPAC Players of the Year; Eight Broncos Honored|date=November 12, 2018|journal=Hastings Broncos}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.hastingsbroncos.com/sports/msoc/2019-20/releases/20191118_Lisboa_GPAC_Defender_of_the_Year_Eight_Broncos_Earn_All-Conference_Honors|title=Lisboa GPAC Defender of the Year; Eight Broncos Earn All-Conference Honors|date=November 18, 2019|journal=Hastings Broncos}} In 2019, he helped the team to a second place finish at the national NAIA Men's Soccer Championship and earned All-Tournament Team honours and was also named a First Team All-America. During his two seasons with Hastings, he scored 14 goals and added 28 assists in 38 matches.{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-watson/7389|title=Callum Watson Creighton profile|work=Creighton Bluejays}}

In December 2019, it was announced that he would transfer to Creighton University, beginning classes in January, and joining the men's soccer team in the NCAA in the fall.{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/news/2019/12/11/mens-soccer-adds-three-for-spring-season.aspx|title=Men's Soccer Announces Addition Of Three For 2020, Each Heads To Omaha In Spring|date=December 11, 2019|work=Creighton Bluejays|first=Anthony|last=Robinson}} He recorded his first assist on March 17, 2021 against the Butler Bulldogs.{{cite web|title=Callum Watson Creighton profile|url=https://gocreighton.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-watson/7389|work=Creighton Bluejays}} On March 29, 2021, he scored his first goal for Creighton in a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Roos.{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/news/2021/3/29/mens-soccer-collects-3-1-win-against-kansas-city.aspx|title=Men's Soccer Collects 3-1 Win Against Kansas City During Monday Afternoon Match At Morrison|date=March 29, 2021|work=Creighton Bluejays|first=Anthony|last=Robinson}} He was named to the All-Big East Second Team for the 2021 Spring season (which occurred as the regular 2020 fall season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic).{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/news/2021/4/14/mens-soccer-diego-gutierrez-named-big-east-offensive-player-of-the-year-five-listed-on-all-big-east-teams.aspx|date=April 14, 2021|work=Creighton Bluejays|title=Diego Gutierrez Named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, Five Bluejays Listed On All-BIG EAST Teams|first=Anthony|last=Robinson}} In October 2021, he was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week.{{cite web|url=https://www.kmaland.com/sports/creightons-watson-kruse-honored-by-big-east-conference/article_681d17f6-35da-11ec-84cd-9bf91f2c3154.html|title=Creighton's Watson, Kruse honored by Big East Conference|first=Derek|last=Martin|date=October 25, 2021|work=KMA Land}} After the 2021 Fall season, he was named to the USCA All-East Region Third Team as well as the All-BIG EAST Second Team for the second time.{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/news/2021/12/9/mens-soccer-gutierrez-and-watson-earn-united-soccer-coaches-association-regional-honors.aspx|title=Gutierrez and Watson Earn United Soccer Coaches Association Regional Honors|date=December 9, 2021|work=Creighton Bluejays|first=Glen|last=Sisk}} After his final season in 2022, he was named to the All-Big East Third Team.{{cite web|url=https://gocreighton.com/news/2022/11/9/mens-soccer-mcguire-claims-big-east-offensive-player-of-the-year-highlight-seven-bluejays-earning-postseason-honors.aspx|title=McGuire Claims BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year as Seven Bluejays Earn Postseason Honors|date=November 9, 2022|work=Creighton Bluejays|first=Max|last=Fritsch}}

Club career

On 6 October 2016, made his senior debut with AFC Sudbury in the seventh tier Isthmian League Premier Division against Kingstonian.{{Cite web|url=https://www.afcsudbury.co.uk/teams/104274/match-centre/1-2194191/report|title=Disappointing afternoon for AFC|date=6 October 2016|work=AFC Sudbury|first=Kalvin|last=Sargeant}} He made a further ten appearances the following season, including scoring in an FA Trophy draw against Aylesbury United on 7 October 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.isthmian.co.uk/midfielder-callum-back-with-the-leaders-74155|title=AFC Sudbury announce the return of Callum Watson|date=13 January 2013|work=Isthmian League|first=Ian|last=Townsend}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/match/2017-10-07/afc-sudbury/vs/aylesbury-united|title=Match Details - AFC Sudbury 2-2 Aylesbury United|work=Aylesbury United|date=7 October 2017}}

File:Callum Watson, HFX Wanderers FC.jpg in 2023|alt=Man in a warm coat standing on a football pitch looking in front of him.]]

In January 2023, he briefly returned to AFC Sudbury, now in the eighth tier Isthmian League North Division.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113122150/https://www.afcsudbury.co.uk/news/callums-back-2753787.html|url=https://www.afcsudbury.co.uk/news/callums-back-2753787.html|title=Callum's back|date=13 January 2023|archive-date=13 January 2023|url-status=dead|work=AFC Sudbury|first=Steve|last=Screech}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/sudbury/sport/familiar-face-returns-to-leaders-afc-sudbury-9293575/|title=Callum Watson returns for short-term spell at AFC Sudbury following American adventure with Bluejays at Creighton University|first=Russell|last=Claydon|date=12 January 2023|work=Suffolk News}} However, he soon after signed a professional contract and instead remained with Sudbury on a training stint, without appearing in matches to avoid injury risk.

On January 25, 2023, Watson signed with Canadian Premier League club HFX Wanderers for the 2023 season, with an option for 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca/article/wanderers-sign-international-midfielder-callum-watson|title=Wanderers sign international midfielder Callum Watson|date=January 25, 2023|work=HFX Wanderers FC}}{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/halifax-wanderers-callum-watson-sign/|title=English Midfielder Callum Watson Turns Pro With Halifax|date=January 25, 2023|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} He had received offers to attend preseason with Major League Soccer clubs Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo FC, but instead opted to sign the guaranteed contract with the Wanderers instead.{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/halifax-wanderers-callum-watson-mls-interest/|title=Watson Had MLS Interest Before Landing With Wanderers|date=2 February 2023|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} On 10 June 2023, Watson scored a brace in a 2-0 victory over Valour FC to help the Wanderers earn their first victory of the season,{{Cite web|title=Match Analysis: Callum Watson brace helps Halifax Wanderers past Valour FC for 1st win of 2023 CPL season|url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-callum-watson-brace-helps-halifax-wanderers-past-valour-fc-for-1st-win-of-2023-cpl-season|date=10 June 2023|first=Alexandre|last=Gangué-Ruzic|work=Canadian Premier League}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecoast.ca/news-opinion/hfx-wanderers-fc-soccer-podcast-callum-watson-heroics-30959833|title=The Wanderer Grounds podcast: Watson heroics power HFX Wanderers FC past Valour FC in 2-0 thriller|date=June 12, 2023|first1=Martin|last1=Bauman|first2=Matt|last2=Stickland|work=The Coast}} earning league Team of the Week honours for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca/article/wanderers-daniels-loughrey-watson-named-to-cpl-team-of-the-week|title=Wanderers Daniels, Loughrey, Watson named to CPL Team of the Week|date=June 12, 2023|work=Canadian Premier League}} In his sole season with the club, he scored three goals and added an assist in 26 appearances, across all competitions.{{cite web|url=https://hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca/article/wanderers-transfer-callum-watson-to-chattanooga-fc|title=Wanderers transfer Callum Watson to Chattanooga FC|date=January 26, 2024|work=HFX Wanderers FC}}{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/halifax-wanderers-chattanooga-transfer-callum-watson/|title=Wanderers Sell Watson To Chattanooga FC|date=January 26, 2024|first=John|last=Jacques|work=Northern Tribune}}

In January 2024, Watson transferred to Chattanooga FC in the MLS Next Pro for an undisclosed fee.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/chattanoogafc/news/chattanooga-football-club-announce-callum-watson-signing|title=Chattanooga Football Club signs Callum Watson from Halifax Wanderers|date=January 26, 2024|work=Chattanooga FC}}{{cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/halifax-wanderers-agree-to-transfer-of-callum-watson-to-chattanooga-fc|title=Halifax Wanderers agree to transfer of Callum Watson to Chattanooga FC|date=January 26, 2024|work=Canadian Premier League}} On 6 October 2024, he scored his first goal in a match against New York Red Bulls II.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/chattanoogafc/news/chattanooga-fc-new-york-red-bulls-ii-match-recap|title=Chattanooga FC defeats New York Red Bulls II in shootout and narrowly misses out on playoffs|date=October 6, 2024|work=Chattanooga FC}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Playoffs !colspan="2"\|Domestic Cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan=3\|AFC Sudbury \|2016–17{{cite web\|url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/afc-sudbury/appearances/2016-2017/callum-watson/406188\|title=2016–17 Statistics\|accessdate=26 January 2023\|website=footballwebpages.co.uk}} \|Isthmian League Premier \|1	0	colspan="2"\|—	0	0	0	0	1	0
2017–18{{cite web\|url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/afc-sudbury/appearances/2017-2018/callum-watson/406188\|title=2017–18 Statistics\|accessdate=26 January 2023\|website=footballwebpages.co.uk}} \|Isthmian League North \|6	0	colspan="2"\|—	1{{efn\|name=FACQ\|Appearances in qualification for the FA Cup}}	0	3{{efn\|name=FATQ\|Appearances in qualification for the FA Trophy}}	1	10	1
colspan=2\|Total !7	0	0	0	1	0	3	1	11	1
HFX Wanderers \|2023 \|Canadian Premier League \|24	3	1	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	26	3
Chattanooga FC \|2024 \|USL Championship \|17	1	colspan="2"\|—	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	18	1
colspan=3\|Career total !48	4	1	0	3	0	3	1	55	5