4 days ago
How Albion's academy put Callum back on track
Callum Mackley has revealed how Albion's academy restored his enjoyment of football.
And the emerging defender might not be the only family member worth keeping an eye on.
Mackley played the second half of the friendly win over Las Palmas in Marbella.
He took the left-back role that night as Pervis Estupinan prepared for his move to Milan.
But the 18-year-old can play anywhere across the back line, as he has shown for the under-21s.
He also helped the 21s to a positive trip to Spain which included a 1-1 draw against Spanish second-tier side Cadiz.
Mackley comes from Portsmouth and thanks his parents for their support, which included a fair few miles up and down the A27.
He said: 'I have been at Brighton since I was 12 and I was at Southampton since the age of seven so that's a lot of driving and miles for my dad to cover.
'As well as my siblings who play football as well so him putting in that time and effort for me is really helpful.'
Mackley made a big move along the coast which, by coincidence, mirrored that of fellow defender Ben White during his academy years.
He said: 'When I was at Southampton with my brother, it came to the end of under-12s and I just wasn't enjoying it that much.
'Just the environment I was in.
'It was quite a hard decision for me and my family to decide to leave.
'Then when Brighton came in and asked about me, I went and had a look around and felt Brighton was the place for me.
'From all the staff, the education, the building.
'Just the feeling of the club was really attractive to me and since I have been here it has been the best.
'I am forever grateful for all the hard work the staff put in.
'There are too many people to mention – too many top coaches, all the way through the academy.
'I am just very grateful for their hard work and efforts, for giving me opportunities and trusting me and it has paid off.'
Mackley highlighted the fact he was one of four players taken across from the 21s to the seniors in Spain.
But the other three – Andrew Moran, Malick Yalcouye and new goalkeeper Nils Ramming – are experienced by comparison.
Mackley is among the youngsters who has taken part in senior training sessions under Fabian Hurzeler's tenure.
That meant he was comfortable stepping into a first-team environment which includes some big names and, in James Milner, a player who made his Prem debut four years before Mackley was born.
He added: 'The manager Fabian likes to bring young lads in and train with the first team.
'I feel like that is what Brighton as a club are good at.
'Sometimes I am involved in a session and I feel like it is a good environment for me to gain experience and learn and be around the lads so, when opportunities like that come along, it is not a surprise.
'It is more a comfortable transition.
'I see first team players around the building every day.
'We all know each other and it is a nice atmosphere.'
That atmosphere could be heard as non-playing squad members watched the Las Palmas game.
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Mackley said: 'Especially the older lads, Dunky, Welbeck encouraging me on.
'Even lads on the pitch, James (Milner) and (Eiran) Cashin. It's nice to hear and pushes me on.'
Mackley made sure close family were able to follow his performance against Las Palmas and was on the phone afterwards to his footballing family.
He said: 'My little brother is currently on trial at Bournemouth.
'My older brother used to play.
'And then my youngest brother just plays Sunday League but he is a cracking little player!'
