John Castaneda is just 11 years old, but he’s already making waves far beyond Fort Walton Beach. The young goalkeeper recently came back from a tournament in the Dominican Republic where he faced off against elite teams like Real Madrid’s under-12 squad. And this summer? He’s heading even further — all the way to Ireland to compete in the prestigious O’Neills Foyle Cup with his Rip City Surf club team.
From watching games with his dad to standing in goal on foreign soil, John’s story is a reminder that talent and passion can sometimes outpace age. Here’s a closer look at how this rising soccer star is chasing his dreams across the globe.
A Star in the Making — Fast
It’s kind of wild how quickly John has taken to soccer. He’s been playing seriously for just over two years, yet he’s already competing against some of the best young players worldwide. “I want to see the competition out there. See what it’s like around the world. And just getting to shine out there,” he said, capturing that mix of curiosity and ambition that drives many athletes.
His coach, Jona Hammond, sees it too. “Watching the highest level of soccer for his age,” Hammond says, “playing against that, I mean it lets you kind of know where you stand. And I think he feels that he’s not far off, you know, he could continue to work and maybe even reach that level.” For an 11-year-old, that’s some serious confidence and potential.
The journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. John started out as a striker but had a bad leg injury early on. It forced him to rethink his role on the field. “I thought to myself, I don’t want to get hurt in this sport, so I decided to switch to goalkeeper,” he shared. Luckily, his background as a striker gave him solid foot skills — now he just needed to hone his handling and diving. It’s a transition that clearly paid off.
A Family Affair and Early Inspiration
John’s love for soccer goes way back — to those evenings spent glued to the TV with his dad, watching big matches and soaking in the World Cup magic. “When the 2022 World Cup started, I started watching it and after the World Cup Final I started having interest for the sport,” he says with a smile. That kind of childhood bonding over sports sometimes sparks lifelong passion, and John’s case is no different.
After catching the bug, he joined Bay United but soon found himself drawn to goalkeeping. That mix of reflexes, quick thinking, and a bit of bravery seems to fit him perfectly. It’s funny how a little injury nudged him into his calling.
Preparing for Ireland and Beyond
This week, John, along with his teammate Mason Mueller, another 11-year-old from Fort Walton Beach, packed their bags for a long trip to Ireland. The O’Neills Foyle Cup in Derry isn’t just any tournament — it’s a big deal in youth soccer, attracting top teams from around the world.
Traveling over 4,000 miles to compete might sound daunting for most kids, but for John, it’s exactly the kind of challenge he lives for. His experiences in Punta Cana and now Ireland are more than just games — they’re lessons in growth, teamwork, and pushing limits.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what John’s summer looks like:
| Tournament | Location | Opponents | Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Cana Cup | Dominican Republic | Real Madrid U12, others | U12 |
| O’Neills Foyle Cup | Derry, Ireland | International clubs | U12 |
These experiences aren’t just about winning. They’re about getting a taste of the game at the highest youth level, learning from tough competition, and figuring out where he stands on the global soccer map.
What Comes Next for John?
Looking ahead, it’s clear John’s story is just beginning. For a kid who’s already played against some of the best young teams in the world, the future holds a lot of promise. The mix of early injury, a position switch, and rapid skill development makes his path unique and inspiring.
Coach Hammond’s belief in John is solid: “He’s got the drive, the talent, and the mindset. If he keeps putting in the work, who knows where he could go.” And honestly, it’s thrilling to watch a young athlete take these steps.
In the meantime, John is soaking up every moment, whether it’s diving for saves or just hanging out with his teammates on a long flight. It’s a blend of adventure and sport, with a dash of childhood joy.
You have to wonder — will this little goalkeeper from Fort Walton Beach be the next big name we hear about in soccer circles? Only time will tell, but if this summer is any indication, he’s already on his way.
