Courtesy: Daily San Diego Soccer News


Callahan Carries Weighty Load

By Amberly Richardson

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Sean Callahan (Albion/San Diego Jewish Academy/Futsal) has what you can’t teach. As a midfielder, he is a motivator, a leader, a distributor and a scorer. Callahan is a well-spoken 16-year-old who has accomplished more in his 12-year competitive soccer career than most do in a lifetime. He’s trained in Brazil during the 2006 World Cup; he’s played as a finalist in the U.S. Futsal Championships; he’s been a Surf Cup champion; and he's not done yet.

In a few short days, Callahan will compete at the Surf Cup yet again. This year, he has a lot on the line. Callahan has been contacted by numerous colleges that will be in attendance at the Polo Fields. His Albion team faces a tough bracket, but Callahan is confident in his squad’s ability.

Albion recently wrapped up a second-place finish in the Presidio League. Callahan thinks his team gave away the league in the last couple of games, but knows second is a good place to finish.

As a sophomore in high school, Callahan was the Citrus West League Player of the Year. He hopes to earn the honor again as a junior. Last year, he was a bit surprised by the recognition, but thought he earned it. Twenty-eight goals and 12 assists on the season support that sentiment.

Callahan stepped up his first year on the varsity team when he saw the need.

“My freshman year I was the best player on the team and there were a bunch of seniors that slacked off, so that’s when I knew I had to be the leader figure for the underclassmen,” Callahan said.

High school practices are feeling good for the SDJA squad. The team looks improved from last season but faces a tougher schedule.

Beating Guajome Park Academy is the main goal in order to capture the league title. Guajome isn't necessary the Lions’ biggest rival, but GPA typically finishes ahead of SDJA. GPA has far more students, thus more players to choose from.

Before Surf Cup and high school, Callahan is participating in San Diego Futsal on Thursday nights, where he plays against adults. The ball-handling skills and speed that Futsal requires is right up Callahan’s alley.





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com