From Local Roots to Global Stage
Every footballing parent travels extensively to watch their child play, but Steve and Susan Elliot have arguably gone further than most. Their son, Callan, began his football journey with Annan Athletic, a club currently competing in Scottish League 2, playing at their Galabank ground.
Since relocating to New Zealand at the age of seven, Callan has progressed through the ranks and earned a place in the New Zealand national squad for the World Cup. His parents have traveled approximately 6,500 miles (10,500 km) to attend their son's opening match against Iran at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The match is scheduled to kick off in the early hours of Tuesday morning UK time.
"It's not easy to put into words how both his mum and I feel - proud, amazed, a football parent's dream," said Steve. "It's truly surreal - so looking forward to this."
Callan's Football Journey
Callan's development as a footballer has been remarkable. Steve shared that Callan is one of four brothers, the third child, who started playing football at just four years old with Annan Athletic, driven by his love for the game.
"We as a family moved to Nelson in New Zealand when he was just turning seven," Steve added.
Last year, Callan spoke to BBC Scotland about his aspirations and early influences in football.
"My dad played a lot - never professionally - just locally and so he just got me into it from a young age," Callan said. "I was at Annan Athletic when I was young. When I moved to New Zealand I started picking up cricket, rugby, tennis - all those sports - and then probably at the age of 12, I just decided to just stick with football."
Choosing New Zealand Over Scotland
Callan's decision to represent New Zealand at the World Cup reflects his connection to the country where he developed as a player, despite being born in Scotland. He plays as an attacking right-back and was eligible to play for either nation.
Steve commented on this choice, reflecting on Callan's prospects with Scotland.
"Being realistic is he up to Scotland squad standard? I'm not sure, but maybe after this World Cup will tell us the answer. I do know, though, that he wouldn't have been to the Under 20s World Cup or Olympics with Scotland as they didn't qualify - so perhaps New Zealand's been the best choice."
World Cup Ambitions and Support
Steve revealed that Callan has been striving to secure the right-back position in the New Zealand squad.
"So, getting that done and getting through the group stage would be tremendous," he said.
New Zealand's group stage opponents include Egypt and Belgium, following their opening match against Iran.
Callan's family has made significant efforts to support him during the tournament. His parents and one of his brothers have traveled to the United States, while another sibling already resides there. His partner, Keany Morey, originally from Edinburgh but now living in New Zealand, is also accompanying him.
Meanwhile, other relatives will be watching from Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, sending their best wishes.
Should Scotland not meet expectations, the Elliot family can take pride in Callan's representation of the All Whites as an alternative.
