Callum Chase has reached the milestone of 200 appearances for the Yachtsmen, a landmark that reflects his loyalty to the club and the Isle of Wight.
For the 25-year-old centre-back, football and identity are closely intertwined. Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, Callum attended Carisbrooke Primary School, Nodehill Middle School and Carisbrooke High School.
Football was never far away during his childhood. His father – Richard Chase – was a talented amateur footballer and an early influence, while Callum himself began playing as a youngster with Ryde Saints before progressing into senior football.
That path eventually led him to Cowes Sports F.C., where he first joined as a teenager and gradually established himself as a regular presence in defence.
Callum Chase aged 17 below:
Over the years, his career has taken a few detours. He gained valuable experience during spells with Hamble Club and Pagham before returning to the Island, later spending time with East Cowes Victoria before rejoining Cowes at the start of last season.
Reaching the 200-game mark, however, was something he admits he never expected when he first arrived.
Callum said:
“When I first joined, I thought 20 appearances would be decent, so 200 is a bit mad really. I’ve played with some incredible players and great managers, so thanks to all of them. Cowes is a top, top club on and off the pitch, so to play 200 games for this club is a special achievement.”
Like many long-serving players, Callum’s memories of football stretch far beyond the results themselves. Some of them are distinctly Island experiences:
“The one that stands out the most is the sleepover we had in the minibus on a Tuesday night because the ferries were cancelled. I walked into my house at 8:00 the next morning. I’ll never forget that, but it was worth it because we won.”
There have also been several standout matches along the way.
“Giving any of the big teams a run for their money is always a joy. We’ve had a few good ones away to Stoneham and Blackfield, and a special one at home to Portchester. But winning my first Gold Cup final when I was so young was decent as well.”
When he first stepped into senior football at just 16, Callum learned quickly from the experienced players around him:
“I’ve played with so many good centre-backs, such as Craig (Craig Insley) and Aid (Aidan Bryan). I learned so much from them on and off the pitch. A special mention has to go to my partner in crime now, Oats (Ryan Oatley). What a player and what a bloke. We’ve got a great relationship and work well together.”
Although his style of play has remained largely consistent, experience has changed the way he approaches the game.
“I’ve always tried to play pretty football and pass the ball around. I’ve just got better at it the older I’ve got. I like to think I read the game a bit better now… mainly because I can’t run around as much as I used to.”
While Callum’s football career has been built on the Isle of Wight, his background also reflects a connection beyond it. His mother comes from an Island family, while his father’s side of the family has London and Caribbean roots, including links to Barbados.
Callum has travelled to Barbados to visit relatives and says the experience left a lasting impression:
“It was exactly what I expected. Loving and welcoming people, they made me feel so welcome, and it made me feel at home.”
Although the Caribbean island holds a special place for him, his bond with the Isle of Wight remains just as strong.
“The Island is all I’ve known, and it’s full of friends and family I love. Barbados is stunning, but the Isle of Wight is ‘home’.”
He revealed that the Caribbean might feature in his future plans, declaring:
“I’ve always said getting married there would be a dream.”
Away from football, Callum leads a busy life. He works as a PE teacher at Newport Primary School, helping introduce young pupils to sport and physical activity. He admits that relaxing is not something that comes naturally to him:
“No rest for the wicked. I’m an active person so I always seem to be doing something, whether that’s football, padel or work.”
Padel in particular has become something of a passion.
“For people that know me, I have an addiction to padel. I must admit I prefer it to football and have missed some training sessions just to play padel. I would highly recommend giving it a go.”
Away from the local game, Callum is also a keen supporter of Chelsea F.C..
Among the toughest opponents he has faced during his career are current Queens Park Rangers F.C. attacker Kwame Poku and experienced striker Brett Pitman.
With 200 appearances now behind him, Callum admits his teammates have already begun discussing what the next milestone might be.
“I’ve been speaking to a few of the lads about my next target, and it would be 500 appearances, but I’m not sure my career can stretch that long. I’d love to add more goals to my game but goals aren’t really my thing.”
But for now, the focus remains simple: continuing to represent Cowes Sports and the Island where his football journey began.
