BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Friday the club had signed midfielder Finn Calloway to a USL Academy contract for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

As a USL Academy signing, Calloway will retain his NCAA eligibility while also being eligible to play in the USL Championship and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for Legion FC. The structure of this contract opens a pathway to gaining valuable experience training with professionals.

“We’re excited to sign Finn to a USL Academy contract which will prepare him to take the next step in his career, whether that be professionally or collegiately,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “Finn has excellent potential and has acclimated well to training with the first team.”

A Birmingham native, Calloway is the fourth local player to sign a USL Academy contract with Legion FC. The 17-year-old played for Mountain Brook High School his freshman and sophomore year, won the state championship in 2022, and was selected First Team All-Metro. Calloway also played for Alabama FC ECNL for four years and has been selected First Team All-Southeast Conference (2022) and ECNL National selection game at an ECNL showcase (2022).

“I’m honored to be joining the guys this preseason,” said Calloway. “I’m excited for the opportunity to possibly play this weekend and I’m ready to do what’s necessary to help the team win.” 

Calloway will be available for selection when Birmingham Legion FC opens its preseason schedule against Atlanta United FC at Protective Stadium this Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT.