A look to the future

by PATRICK MCALARY
6th July 2026

IT FEELS LIKE the whole world has come to a stop, as billions are glued to their screens watching the FIFA World Cup.
This brings many wonderful things, such as the opportunity to watch world-class talent represent their country with pride.
However, there are as many highlights off the field as there are on it.
The World Cup has a unique way of bringing people together.
Hundreds of strangers gather in Federation Square, all in support of the Socceroos.
Footage of fans celebrating Australia’s 2-0 win over Türkiye is shared not just across the country but around the world.
Thanks to the power of social media, we have also witnessed similar scenes from other nations.
Fans from all over the world have gathered in America and are seen enjoying the festivities with fans from other countries.
There are also opportunities to bring the younger generation together.
After the conclusion of the FIFA Men’s World Cup, New York City is hosting the FIFA Youth World Challenge Cup for both under-12s and under-10s.
Between July 21 and 26, 48 countries will be sending squads of 12 players to take part in a 7 vs 7 tournament.
One of the handful of players from across the country who will represent Australia at the Youth World Challenge Cup is Warrandyte local Caleb Johnston.
Caleb has many attributes that set him apart from the rest, including his work ethic, his reading of the game, and his ability to generate power from both feet.
Caleb is a player who, so far in his young journey, has made it clear that his potential is limitless.
His talent stretches across the field, as he shows promise as left back, centre back, defensive and central midfield, and on the left wing.
To top it off, he has a passion for playing as a goalkeeper and has the skills to back it up.
Caleb named Gianluigi Donnarumma, of Manchester City as an inspiration, along with Virgil Van Dijk, and Lionel Messi.
Caleb has been a part of Manningham United, and Melbourne City youth teams.
Caleb has also been mentored by former Melbourne Victory player Nick Ansell.
Ansell has helped Caleb immensely with his development of skills and game IQ, something Caleb now prides himself on.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Caleb and talk to him about his journey and his hopes for the future.
When asked about the prospect of potentially playing elite-level sport, with his eyes wide and a beaming smile, he said:

“Yes, definitely, I’d love to play in the Premier League and, of course, play for Australia in the senior team”.

When asked about his strengths, he responded with:

“I’m a lot faster than I look; I’m a lot tougher than I look.
“What usually surprises people, though, is my defending.
When I defend, I feel like I get in the right position and can read the game well”.

For a player to represent their country is an amazing achievement.
But the question is, how does one get from grassroots soccer to the world stage?
Caleb’s mother, Belinda, said it was a chance encounter.

“It kind of found him; the coach who was putting the team all together saw him at a regular game and then asked Caleb if he would like to come try out for it
I’m proud he’s being recognised for all the work he is putting into it”.

Caleb joins a growing list of Warrandytians representing Australia on the global sporting stage.