In an ongoing series we are highlighting the young players who are part of the JD Academy, the Irish FA’s elite development programme. Today Calum Evans is in the spotlight…
Name: Calum Evans
DOB: 20 January 2011
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Linfield
School: Ashfield Boys
Hometown: Belfast
Calum Evans has got off to a solid start at the academy.
He loved being part of the Northern Ireland Under-15s team that took part in a UEFA U15 Development Tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina back in October.
Evans started all three matches in the four-team tournament, playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Latvia.
In Northern Ireland’s final game against Latvia, the central midfielder provided the assist for the opening goal in a 2-0 victory.
“For me, the biggest difference between playing for a club compared to the international level is the intensity and tempo,” said Evans. “Specifically, the workload on and off the pitch can be demanding at times.”
Despite the challenges, Evans is grateful to have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland through the academy.
Off the pitch the 14-year-old, who turns 15 early next year, appreciates the time he gets to spend with his fellow team-mates within the Belfast-based residential academy.
“The best part of living and training with my team-mates is the daily fun,” Evans said. “Honestly, the funniest thing that has happened since I’ve been here was when someone fell off a box in the gym.”
Over the next year Evans would like to develop his game further and do well in his exams.
And ultimately the central midfielder would love to pursue a career in professional football in the future.
