Callum Forster

[Luke O'Nien @LukeONien]

EUROPA LEAGUE was never the dream.

Not because I didn’t want it.

Because if I’m being honest, I never thought it was possible.

What kid would?

Especially when 12 years ago I was playing non league football in the Ryman Premier and Conference South, just trying to stay alive in the game.

What kid dreams about Europe when, two weeks into the off season, his dad has to tell him he’s been released by Watford F.C. over the phone?

I was heartbroken.

My dad looked at me and said:

“What are we doing tomorrow?”

To which I replied with the words he’d drilled into me my whole life:

“We’re training, Dad.”

So we trained.

Every single day.

My dad emailed every EFL club asking for an opportunity.

One club replied.

One.

That was all I needed.

An opportunity.

@WealdstoneFC and @wwfcofficial , I’ll always be indebted to you.

Then came the move to @SunderlandAFC .

A massive club.

A massive opportunity.

And I couldn’t wait to prove myself.

But 45 minutes into my debut… hooked.

“Rabbit caught in headlights. Waste of money. Get rid.”

Then came the Championship.

“He’s not good enough for this level.”

Then the Premier League.

“Let’s give him a debut and then get rid of him.”

I understood the doubt.

I’ve faced it my whole career.

And truthfully, you doubt yourself too at times.

But I’ve always tried to live by one mindset:

Outwork your doubt.

You don’t always need to see the full journey.

You just need to take the next step.

Then the next one.

And then another.

Even when social media tells you you’re not good enough.

Even when the voice inside your own head whispers the same thing.

Keep working.

Keep learning.

Keep showing up.

Because sometimes the places you end up are bigger than anything your younger self could’ve ever imagined.

To any young player reading this, don’t put a ceiling on yourself too early.

You genuinely have no idea where this game and life can take you.

And to the boys… thank you.

You removed the glass ceiling I’d placed on myself.

What a team.

What a club.

What a fanbase.

Sunderland… rocking all over Europe ❤️🤍

And in the words of Granit Xhaka:

“This is just the beginning.”

[Lea @Lea_EFC]

Dan Burn chasing down Lamine Yamal at the World Cup:

[NUFC Fanatic @NUFC_Fanatic]

There is absolutely zero chance Sunderland beat us tomorrow mind.

ZERO.

It simply won’t happen.

[A LOVE SUPREME @ALS_Fanzine]

Thoughts on Rogers’ comments? #SAFC

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

@fossa_x @trvisXX He’s lucky you videoed it mate!

[Nathan Harbottle @Nathan_Harbz]

Looking for two spares for Wembley, don’t need to be together. #SAFC @SunderlandAway @RokerReport

[Jon Shea @jonsheaa]

Jordan Pickford has saved a penalty in every penalty shootout he’s played in for England. ���󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Oh and here they all are. 👇🏻

🐐🐐🐐

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

@Swhite0801 Awful pal

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

This manger is killing a very talented squad. He will never change

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

For a 16 year old lad to step up the way he has, not in his natural position, against the best teams in the league is unreal. What a talent he is

[James Copley @JamesCopley_]

He’s better than Pirlo…

#SAFC

[Adam McKola @AdamMcKola]

Best sport in the world.

[Will @willhatesmma]

You my friend need to try GAMBLING!!!

[cole @c_0L_e]

americans are so serious man, why is nobody fucking creasing there’s a man stuck in a vase for fuck sakes

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

@Jaigrant22 @Miss_Snuffy

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

@insultsrare @joshcarr1309

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

It’s crazy how good players are when they are played in their correct positions…

[Second Tier podcast @secondtierpod]

On this day in 2023… 🗓️

Sunderland signed Pierre Ekwah! 🇫🇷

#SAFC

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

@JackRourke15 @Nathan_Harbz 🤣🤣

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

She’s right, Southgate should protect him and leave him out of the squad for now.

[The Sportsman @TheSportsman]

💬 Everyone's should take a read of this statement from Harry Maguire's mum...

[Callum Forster @Forster_Callum]

Maguire again man🤣🤣