Hassocks Under 23s goalkeeper heads Stateside
Hassocks Under 23s goalkeeper Callum Thompson is headed to the United States after signing a scholarship with Point University.
The teenager will move to West Point, Georgia in 2023 and combine studying with playing for the Skyhawks soccer programme.
Thompson joined the Robins in the summer having spent last season playing for a combination of Sutton Common Rovers, Redhill and Loxwood.
He had caught the eye of Hassocks head coach James Westlake when Westlake was assistant to Spencer Slaughter at Loxwood.
Westlake subsequently brought Thompson to the Beacon after a brief dalliance with AFC Varndeanians. He was immediately installed as number one by Neil Parker in the Under 23s whilst also providing competition for Alex Harris in the first team.
Thompson started the opening seven games of the Under 23s season before suffering a nasty shoulder dislocation and fracture in the final three minutes of a 6-2 win at Horsham YMCA in early October.
Before injury struck and caused an enforced break in his season, Thompson had impressed with his shot stopping ability and speed and agility between the posts.
He kept three clean sheets against Roffey, St Francis Rangers and reigning Southern Combination League Under 23 North Division champions Broadbridge Heath.
Five of the seven games Thompson played in were won as the Robins made a strong start a campaign in which they have not dropped out of the top three so far.
All three shutouts recorded by Thompson came in Hassocks victories whilst he also tasted success away at Chessington & Hook United and in the YM game where he was injured.
“Congratulations Callum, exciting times ahead. Looking forward to getting you back between the sticks for Hassocks before your depart,” Westlake tweeted after Soccer Assist revealed the news that Thompson had signed with Point.
Former Robins midfield Slaughter also had words of encouragement for his former player, saying: “Fantastic news Cal. You’ll achieve great things mate and wishing you all the best young man.
It is a good time for Thompson to join Point. The Skyhawks are currently enjoying their most successful ever period, winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament championship in 2021 to qualify for the NAIA Nationals which determine the college soccer champions in the US.
Everyone at Hassocks wishes Callum the best for when he jets off on his new adventure.
