Callan Hamill says his parents were moved to tears when Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere told him he had earned a scholarship at Arsenal, calling it “a surreal and unforgettable moment” in his young career.
The 16-year-old, who joined from St Johnstone this summer after a long pursuit by several top clubs, has spoken about the emotional journey that took him from Perth to north London and the pride his family felt when the move became official.
“The first thing I did was call my mum and dad, who were in tears of pride, and my friends couldn’t believe it either,” Hamill told The Courier & Advertiser. “It was a surreal and unforgettable moment.”
Hamill, who captains both Scotland and Arsenal at youth level, said his first-team debut for St Johnstone against Dundee was a fitting farewell before the move south. “Making my first-team debut in the final game of last season against Dundee was a special moment.
“Playing in front of thousands of fans, with my family and friends in the stands, was an incredible experience and one I’ll never forget.”
Arsenal had been tracking the defender for more than a year before securing his signature in a deal worth an initial six-figure sum, with further add-ons.
Hamill first linked up with the Gunners’ academy in early 2024, impressing on trial with the under-18s and later earning his place among the club’s new intake of first-year scholars.
“My mum took a phone call that lasted much longer than usual, and when she finally told me Arsenal wanted me on trial, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I joined up at Hale End and played my first game against St Albans, which we won 4-1 before being invited to travel to Germany with the under-18s.”
The call from Mertesacker and Wilshere confirmed his future, and since then Hamill has settled quickly in London. “Since arriving at Arsenal, I’ve loved every second. I’ve settled in brilliantly thanks to my team-mates, the coaching staff, and everyone who has supported me off the pitch. I’m proud to be one of the under-18s captains, as leadership is one of my strongest qualities, and I’ve also had the honour of captaining my country.”
Reflecting on his development, Hamill credited St Johnstone for shaping his fledgling career and backing the positional switch that transformed him from a forward into a defender. “At first, I wasn’t convinced, but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.”
Now training regularly with Arsenal’s under-18s and occasionally the senior squad, Hamill is focused on the long road ahead. “It’s all about learning, improving, and aiming to reach that standard myself,” he said.