PERSONAL INFORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

• Glentoran FC | Youth –

INTERVIEW

Introduce yourself…

Hi my name is Cal Weatherup. I am a 17 year old footballer and play for Glentoran FC. I have recently signed my first professional contract with the club. When I am not playing or training, I enjoy playing golf or going to the gym.

How are you balancing football commitments with education, personal development, or life off the pitch?

I have to make sacrifices as my development in football always comes first. A lot of my time is taking up with training and school, but I try to give myself some down time to relax or go for a round of golf with my friends.

How did your youth time at Ards Rangers shape your love for the game and give you your first taste of competitive football?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ards Rangers. My coaches Mark Hanna and Colin Fulton taught me a lot and built my confidence as a player. They didn’t always concentrate on winning every game, they wanted to develop each individual player and teach us how to play as a team. They always made learning fun and I enjoyed every session. I couldn’t have asked for more from my coaches, they were excellent and fair to every player. They ate still very supportive of me in my career.

When you moved from Ards Rangers to Crusaders in 2020, it was a big step into a more professional academy setup. What were the first differences you noticed?

I initially went to Crusaders as a guest for the Foyle Cup. Thats where I realized I enjoyed the more competitive football, I really enjoyed my time at Crusaders, Paul Boyle was a fantastic manager and done a lot for me during my time with them.

You’ve already experienced different youth setups before turning 18. How do you think moving clubs at different stages helped your development?

I think moving clubs at differ stages helped me progress as a player. I learnt a lot by playing in other positions along with new players. Every coach has a different style of play that I have adapted to and been able to bring into my game.

Joining Glentoran in 2022 seems to have been the breakthrough moment for you—what made the move feel right at that time?

Watching Glentoran play was a part of my childhood as I would have went to a lot of their games. I thought about moving to Glentoran previously and when I was not 100% happy were I was I decided to make the move. I knew Paul Wilson and Lewis Ball where excellent coaches that I would learn a lot from, they had a great bunch of lads playing for them that I knew I would fit in well with. We went to Super cup NI a few weeks after I signed and went on to win the Globe. I felt I fitted in well instantly. I knew then I had made the right move.

Last season, you contributed to the Colts capturing the Harry Cavan Youth Cup—Glentoran’s first in 30 years. How does that achievement resonate with you?

Playing in the Harry Cavan Cup was a great experience. It showed what we could do as a team when we worked hard for each other. There was some tough games but we battled through to the final. Unfortunately in the final I was in the pitch a matter of minutes and was forced to come off due to receiving an injury. Watching from the dugout was very frustrating as I just wanted to play. With the game going into penalties, it was nerve wrecking but the boys came through on top and we lifted the cup. It was an amazing feeling for us all.

What did signing your first professional contract mean to you and your family?

Signing my first professional contract with Glentoran was a very proud moment for myself and my family. It is what I have always worked for from a young age. I was delighted and grateful to be giving this opportunity.

Your manager Declan Devine has spoken about your hunger to learn. What daily routines or habits do you follow to ensure continuous improvement?

I work hard both on and off the pitch, I practice a lot if ball work and regularly go to the gym. I keep a balanced diet and look after my body the best I possibly can.

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, what are your personal targets in terms of playing time, goals, or overall contribution to the first team?

I will work hard and hope to get as many minutes with the first team and hope to contribute with scoring goals and creating chances for the team. With the excellent training that Declan Devine and the rest of the coaching staff provide, I am sure I will only get better as a player which will then get me the chances that I deserve.