From Liverpool to Chorley, to the US and back to Liverpool, all in 12 months. Callum Schorah sat down with Mersey Sport Live’s Harry Scarborough to discuss the highs and lows of being a non-league footballer.

At just 25 years old, the Halewood lad has experienced it all. From started playing academy football at his beloved Liverpool FC before having multiple stints abroad in Sweden and the US, Callum Scorah has played in step two, four and five of the English non-league circuit.

However, his past year in football has been even more of a rollercoaster ride.

Last season, after an impressive five campaigns with AFC Liverpool, the Scouse forward earned a move to National League North side Chorley FC, jumping up three leagues in the process.

Callum Schorah is part of the celebrations as Chorley go 1-0 up against Leek Town.
Callum Schorah involved in celebrations as Chorley go 1-0 up against Leek Town. (photo credit: Stefan Willoughby)

Initially Schorah had limited game time at ‘The Magpies’ as he adjusted to the higher standard of football. Yet, after months of hard work he was handed his first start for the club in Chorley’s second round FA Trophy fixture, at home to Leek Town.

However, during the match, Schorah suffered a significant injury as he partially tore his ACL and fractured his knee at the same time.

Callum Schorah being stretchered off after suffering an injury in his first start for Chorley.
Callum Schorah being stretchered off after suffering an injury in his first start for Chorley. (photo credit: Stefan Willoughby)

He said: “My time at Chorley was filled with mix emotions. It was great to experience that level and the quality and detail that is put into it, but also injuries and not enough game time meant I suffered some lows.”

His time in Lancashire became even worse when shortly after returning from his ACL injury, he was faced with yet another setback, tearing his ankle ligament just weeks after getting back to training. This ended any chance he had to finish the season strongly with Chorley.

He said: “Between both injuries I was out for around four and a half months. It was very hard mentally and physically to come back from these injuries. Both came at times when mentally I was good. My ACL happened on my first start and then my ankle a couple weeks after getting back fit and feeling strong again.”

Unlike most, Schorah was determined to not let this define his season. Despite the fact he wouldn’t be fit in time to finish the campaign in England for Chorley, he knew he could make it to play over the summer months in America.

He said: “I learned that even when things are hard and I feel mentally low, I will still push myself and keep going to get back to where I want to be.”

Scorah had already played in the US earlier in his career and felt it would be the right decision, so he could return to England in the best shape possible, ready for the new season.

 

The Merseyside man played a star role for Georgia Revolution FC, who play in the National Premier Soccer League, Southeast Conference. He played 12 times, scoring six goals and assisting four. He even earned himself a spot in the team of the season for the ‘South Region XI’.

He said: “I loved my time in America. I would recommend anyone to go out and experience it. It’s a new culture and a new way of playing football.

“Our furthest away game was five hours away which saw us travel through three different states!”

Added Scorah: “My three months in the States felt like a pre-season in itself, plenty of training, plenty of games, so I came back feeling very fit.”

He admitted this stood him in good stead for the current campaign.

He then signed for City of Liverpool on his return to England, who play in step four of the non-league pyramid. He’s impressed so far, already hitting double figures including a goal of the season contender.

He said: “My time at city of Liverpool has been very good, it’s been an incredible start to the season, the lads are quality, and we all get on very well with each other. It’s a really good group.”

‘The Purps’ currently sit 15th in the league, however Schorah remains optimistic saying “the aim is to finish as high as we can and push for play offs.”

The Merseyside outfit will need to take this positive attitude into Saturday’s fixture. In what is the club’s biggest ever game in their short history, they face former football league club Hartlepool United FC at home in the third round of the FA trophy.

The 25-year-old admitted he “can’t wait” for the weekend. The forward was on the scoresheet in the previous round as they knocked out higher league opposition in Buxton FC away from home, achieving the club’s best ever result.

 

As for Schorah himself, who knows where the future might take him.

He said: “I feel like I change my mind all the time. I’m open to travelling again and experiencing football in another country. But if that’s not possible then playing as high as I can here in England will be the aim, but most of all you do have to enjoy it no matter what you do.”

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