Wellington Phoenix are pleased to announce that Callum McCowatt has signed a professional contract with the club.
A stand out in last season’s New Zealand’s Premiership where he was golden boot, and more recently the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland, McCowatt, 20, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young New Zealand prospects.
After playing junior football at East Coast Bays, McCowatt continued his career at the Olé Football Academy in Wellington and while progressing through their system, joined nine-time OFC Champions, Auckland City in 2017.
The striker helped his side win their seventh National League title in the 2017/18 ISPS Handa Premiership campaign before moving to another Auckland based club, Eastern Suburbs.
The young striker proved to be a vital addition, helping Eastern Suburbs to their first ever National title since 1971 with a hat-trick against Team Wellington in the Grand Final.
The recruitment of McCowatt signals the intent shown by Head Coach Ufuk in his belief of the young talent coming from within New Zealand.
Talay is very familiar with developing young players, having led the Young Socceroos and believes New Zealand holds plenty of potential
“Being the only professional club in the country, you have the advantage of a whole country of young talent waiting to be unearthed.
“Callum is one of those elite players that has developed through the footballing system in this country, including Olé Football Academy, and has shown that on the International stage.
“The next natural step was for him to turn professional and he’ll be a welcome addition to our group of players.”
McCowatt is excited by the deal and looks forward to playing in the professional environment here in the Capital.
“I’m extremely happy to be representing this club in my home country.
“It has always been my dream to play professionally so I can’t wait to get started and help this club progress.
“The Wellington Phoenix is the pinnacle of elite football in New Zealand and I am really happy to be signing my first pro contract here.”
Callum will join the rest of the squad in July for the start of pre-season.
At a Glance
2013-14 East Coast Bays
2015-17 Olé Football Academy/Western Suburbs – Coach: Declan Edge
2017-18 Auckland City – 27 Appearances | 11 Goals | Coach: Ramon Tribulietx
2018-19 Eastern Suburbs – 16 appearances | 21 Goals | Coach: Danny Hay
