Former ‘Star’ captain now a big fish at Miami FC

Former North and island youth footballer Callum Chapman-Page recently signed professionally with US National Soccer League champions Miami FC following an illustrious few seasons of collegiate play.

Even at a tender 23, he has an abundance of lessons to reflect upon – including the time where he feared losing his career, only to enjoy his greatest moment barely two weeks later.

But of his time on island, Chapman-Page’s greatest glory days hail from the inter-insulars.

‘I would say my fondest memory would be captaining, scoring and winning the Star Trophy,’ the Old Elizabethan recalled of the island U15s’ tide-turning victory in 2011.

‘I loved the rivalry and competitiveness between the islands – I left Guernsey when I was 16 so I missed out on the senior teams where it really mattered, but realistically, beating Jersey teams was always a highlight.

‘Winning the U16 and U18 Murattis were always huge.’

Chapman-Page graduated with near-immediate effect into the academy of Ilkeston FC, then an Evo-Stik Premiership side, but he decided after two years that he wanted to progress onto even bigger things.

‘I decided I didn’t want to stay in the lower leagues but wanted to travel, study and still play at a high level so that I could mature into a better player,’ said a man who was soon to flourish from a small-framed teenager into a 190lb defensive powerhouse.

‘I think it was the best decision I ever made, coming over to America to study and play. The culture was a lot different but I really enjoyed the change – especially the weather.’

He first attended Lubbock Christian University in Texas but soon found his calling at Florida’s Palm Beach Atlantic University.

The business management student was a consistent part of the Sailfishes’ outstanding defensive backbone – an opportunistic scorer too, especially in set-pieces – and proved instrumental in two Sunshine State Conference victories.

He recalled of a particularly successful 2017: ‘We won the conference only conceding three goals and having the best defence in the whole nation whilst being undefeated, which was a huge accomplishment.’

This earned him a place with Premier Development League team Tormenta FC, who had a similarly excellent back-line and went undefeated in their 2018 regular season only to lose an important national opener with Chapman-Page on the sidelines.

After returning to defend Palm Beach Atlantic’s conference title, his college side qualified for the SSC Soccer Tournament championship and it was against high-flying Barry Buccaneers that he faced the most impressive turnaround in his career.

Coming right off a pre-tournament knee tear to win an important final, Chapman-Page reflected: ‘I firmly believed that my season and maybe career was done, but somehow got surgery and was able to make it back to playing after 15 days.

‘I scored the winner with 30 seconds to go in my first game back after recovering from a knee operation and that probably was my fondest memory out of it all. I think it meant the most because I was able to come back so quickly when I thought I would be out for many months.’

Palm Beach Athletic consequently made the nationals but lost on penalties despite holding the best record in the country at 19 wins, one loss and one draw.

Chapman-Page’s college successes had, however, made him quite the desirable player.

He denied opportunities with Tormenta, among others, and instead tried out with Miami FC – something he may never regret.

‘I got invited to pre-season with Miami and the gaffer liked me and signed me for the upcoming season,’ he said.

‘Head coach is Paul Dalglish, son of Kenny Dalglish – as a strident Man United fan, that makes me smile.

‘It sounds cliché but it really is a dream come true ... I get to wake up and do something I enjoy every morning in the sun, in Miami, which is an amazing city.’

And so new No. 5 Chapman-Page hopes to drive Miami’s campaign forwards under the experienced wing of Dalglish.

‘I’m eager to go far in the US Open Cup, which is like the FA Cup in England, as they got to the quarter finals last year,’ he said.

‘I’m most excited to learn and train at a higher level as some of the players have played in MLS and in the World Cup. I hope I can support their campaign by allowing the least amount of goals in the division – that is always my aim, even if we are winning 5-0 and we concede, it will still play over and over on my mind.

‘I have always added goals to my game and hope to continue my scoring record,’ he added.

‘The fans have already made me feel welcome and they also have a huge stadium called Ricardo Silva Stadium, which is why I cannot wait to play my first game. I am most excited about the opportunity and hope to repay the trust the manager has put in me.’

It all sounds like the stuff of dreams, but Chapman-Page provides some advice that can resonate with any player.

‘The most important advice that I would give is to believe in yourself and keep pushing despite the inevitable knock-backs along the way,’ he said.

‘I got to where I am by constantly working hard, learning from mistakes and disappointments and never losing sight of a dream.’

Crediting the facilities and coaching for his development, he added: ‘Anyone thinking of becoming a professional footballer should definitely consider the opportunities in America and I am more than happy to share my experiences or advice.

‘I think something important to mention is you cannot do this journey on your own. My support system has been great from my family – my dad has always been my number one supporter and mentor and without him I would not be where I am today.’

n Miami Football Club is the city’s longest-tenured professional soccer club and is entering its fourth season this spring.

In 2018, the club played in the National Premier Soccer League and dominated the competition on its way to three trophies, including the NPSL National Championship.

Previously, Miami FC played in the North American Soccer League during its first two years and achieved a historic season in 2017, winning the spring season and fall season championships, along with breaking several modern-day NASL team and individual records.