Sam McCallum: V9 graduate to the Premier League

Sam McCallum may not be a name you are familiar with outside of the latest football videogame. The 19-year-0ld began his career in the youth team of Herne Bay, a non-league club, before being snatched up by Coventry City.

However, it wasn’t just the youth team at Herne Bay that allowed McCallum to be scouted by the professional scouts at Coventry City. The defender joined Jamie Vardy’s V9 football academy, an academy with the sole purpose to get good non-league players scouted by pro clubs.

Vardy had spent his early career in non-league football and has made it his mission to help players deserving a chance to be spotted by Football League teams. V9 has had several players signed to professional contracts but none have been as significant as McCallum.

Sam McCallum: A success story

McCallum is the academy’s biggest success story. He was signed by Coventry City following his time at V9 and in January 2020, moved to Norwich City for a £3.5 million fee. McCallum moved back to Coventry City on loan after the transfer but should get a chance in the Norwich City first-team next season.

The defender is proof of what occurs when you work hard. Football players seeking a chance to improve, grow and develop, need to find a way to impress coaches and scouts. McCallum found a way to be spotted and took a chance by going to the V9 school.

Finding a chance to shine

Players seeking to make it in the world of football need to find a way to get seen. One way players can get seen by coaches and scouts is to take the chance on football trials like the Asia Football Showcase. Not all players have the chance to play in a football club’s academy nor do they get the chance to be spotted during the weekend playing for their local club. Therefore, you have to take your chances with both hands.

If you believe you have what it takes to impress football coaches and scouts, then check out our events page for more information on the latest Asia Football Showcase and trials.