SARASOTA PARADISE’S CALLUM STRETCH EARNS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CALL-UP IN CLUB HISTORY

Sarasota Paradise defender Callum Stretch has been called up to represent the Puerto Rico National Team during the upcoming FIFA international window.

The 26-year-old becomes the first player in Sarasota Paradise’s professional era to receive a senior national team call-up, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing players capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.

Stretch, who has been a key presence in the Paradise back line during preseason and the opening weeks of the club’s inaugural professional season, will join Puerto Rico for the FIFA Series 2026 during the March international window, marking an important milestone in his career. 

Stretch will be eligible when Puerto Rico hosts Guam on March 25, and when they face either American Samoa or the US Virgin Islands on March 28.

Head Coach Mika Elovaara praised Stretch’s commitment and development since arriving in Sarasota.

“We are all delighted for Callum for his selection. He’s worked hard throughout preseason and performed well in our games, helping our team become more cohesive and competitive. It is part of our mission as a club to help players develop and get opportunities at the highest possible levels; recognition like this makes us all happy and proud.”

For Stretch, the call-up carries deep personal significance.

“Representing any nation is a huge honor, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be called up to represent Puerto Rico. With the recent passing of my grandfather, a proud Puerto Rican, this moment carries even deeper meaning for me. 

“Being able to represent not only the country, but also his legacy, and the culture he was so proud of, makes this call-up especially meaningful. It’s a personal milestone, but also a reflection of the ambition and progress of both the club and the league as we continue to push forward.”

For more information about Sarasota Paradise and the 2026 season, visit sarasotaparadise.us