Ashford’s Callum Pollard helps secure UEFA EURO 2028 football tournament for UK and Ireland

Ashford United FC player Callum Pollard has just returned from a whirlwind 48 hour trip to Switzerland as a Football Association Youth Ambassador for the EURO 2028 host country announcement, which has gone to the UK and Ireland.

Callum, aged 12, from Kingsnorth in Ashford is a pupil at Homewood School.

Wales superstar Gareth Bale played a key role in a bid presentation to UEFA’s Executive Committee in Nyon, Switzerland, supported by football youth ambassadors from all the home nations, including Callum representing England. The FA say the youth ambassadors all play an active role supporting the development and diversity of the game in their local communities.

Callum with football legend Gareth Bale

An FA spokesman said: “Youth ambassadors were selected because of their inspiring footballing story which showcases this vision of ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future.’

In a bio released by the FA, Callum plays left wing for Ashford United U13s team in the Kent Youth League. He’s helping the newly-formed Ashford United Disability teams with training sessions, taking the lead in some drills. He also attends a monthly disability tournament and helps coach two teams, along with helping set up a new sensory football club along with his mum Laura.

Callum taking part in the EURO 2028 ceremony in Switzerland

Callum said: “My brother has autism and I want to help everyone to enjoy playing sports. I also wanted to give something back to the local community. It was great fun going to Switzerland and when I met Gareth Bale I was pretty nervous because I’d never met a famous player before. He was great, absolutely lovely.”

While Callum was proud to wear his Ashford United kit on the trip he was thrilled when the FA presented him with an England kit, branded coat and other goodies. And now that’s he’s back, what do his school friends and teammates think of his dream trip to Switzerland?

Callum proudly wearing his Ashford United shirt on route to the ceremony

“They think that I’m really lucky,” said a delighted Callum.

Final word to mum Laura, who said: “We are all so proud of Callum. We were delighted to hear that he had been nominated by the Kent FA and when the news came that he had been selected to go we were so thrilled for him. He will have these memories forever.”

For more information on Ashford United Football Club visit their website.