When freshman Callum Wallace headed home his first collegiate goal on Sept. 24 against Dixie State in St. George, Utah, it was the end of a long journey that began in his home town of Warrington, England.
Wallace, who grew up attending Manchester United games, has always looked up to professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Manchester United from 2003-2009. Wallace’s decision to play college soccer in America echoes Ronaldo’s, who traveled abroad to play soccer.
“For two years, I had been looking to come to America to play soccer and study at a university,” Wallace said. “I was looking for schools with soccer programs through a company. I was doing training with a guy through Manchester, and he knew a…scout in the area, who was best friends with the old [APU] assistant coach.
“The old assistant coach was about 30 minutes away from where I live. My trainer put me in contact with [him] and sent him footage of me playing soccer. The trainer had me fly out to the U.S. to visit APU, and that’s pretty much how I ended up here.”
One of Wallace’s favorite moments as a member of the APU team was when he received all of his training gear at the end of training camp last summer. For Wallace, this was a defining moment, one that made him realize that he was officially part of the APU team.
Since then, it seems to have worked out—he’s already scored four goals—and his teammates speak highly of him.
“Being on the team with Callum is awesome,” said forward Kaleb Armbrust, a sophomore business major. “We’re always joking around and having a great time, along with working hard and playing well. We play up front together, so I’m always around him. I’m so blessed he’s here.”
Freshman midfielder Danny Madrigal, who also happens to be Wallace’s roommate, added, “Callum is a very composed player, and dangerous when going toward the goal. I feel like he adds creativity in the attack.”
On the field, Wallace brings a combination of hard work and a great attitude, which his teammates recognize.
“Callum came into the program eager, ready to serve and work hard,” Kaleb Armbrust said. “He always has such a great attitude and always gives his all. He’s a really funny guy, and he always lightens the mood, which is much needed. He’s a very gifted player, he’s smart, easy to play with and he always works his hardest. He’s an amazing addition to our team.”
“Callum is like a little brother to me,” senior forward Keenan Armbrust said. “It is always a good time when Callum is around. He brings a different edge to the team that compels us to play better.”
Wallace has managed the adjustment to Southern California well, and according to Keenan Armbrust, can even impersonate a hilarious American accent.
Although he has blended so well onto the team, he is still figuring out college life. When it comes to balancing soccer, school and a social life, Wallace said, “At the moment, I am just trying to take it one day at a time. I make sure I am getting everything done on time.”