STATESBORO, Ga – (January 18, 2024) South Georgia Tormenta FC is excited to announce Callum Stretch on a one-year deal with an option for 2025, pending league and federation approval. The 24-year-old center back joins the club signing his first professional contract after finishing his collegiate career at Loyola Marymount University.
Before joining Tormenta FC, Stretch spent two years at Loyola Marymount University starting in 36 out of 37 games. During his time playing for the Lions, he earned WCC Honors, an Elite 8 Tournament Appearance, and tallied one goal and one assist.
In January 2021, Stretch earned three caps for the Puerto Rico National Team appearing in three friendlies against the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.
The Los Angeles native spent his first two seasons of college soccer playing for the University of Denver from 2018 to 2020 where he started all 42 matches. Stretch was named the Summit League Newcomer of the Year in 2018, was a two-time All-Summit League Top Performer, ranked second in the Top-Drawer Midseason Freshman Top-100 in 2018, and was a member of the 2019 Summit League All-Tournament Team. During his two seasons, Stretch netted one goal and supplied 12 assists for the Pioneers.
Stretch began his youth national career with the United States having played once for the U.S. U-20s in 2016 and three times for the U18s in August 2015.
The 6-foot-3 defender became the youngest American player to sign with an English Club when joined Aston Villa in the summer of 2016 at 15 years old. Prior to joining the Villans, Stretch spent a season with the LA Galaxy Academy.
“It’s an honor to sign for a great club. I’m looking forward to getting started and having an immediate impact on the team and community,” said Stretch. “With Tormenta being my first full professional contract, the club will always be extra special to me. I have no doubt 2024 will be a great year so excited to see what comes!”
Head coach Ian Cameron spoke about his newest defender saying, “We’ve tracked Callum’s progress over the last few seasons and see great potential in his game. Size and mobility are very useful tools in a center back, and Callum adds competitiveness and good composure in possession to the aforementioned physical qualities. He will contend to start straight away, and we hope will contribute towards a defensive unit that operates very effectively this season across all facets of our game model.”
Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2024, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (770-871-8654) or email nschroyer@tormentafc.com.
