One on One with Caleb Swann of North Texas Soccer Club
Last week, Afterburn had a chance to speak with Caleb Swann, one of the newest FC Dallas academy signings for North Texas Soccer Club.
(Photo credit to the North Texas media crew.)
On Sunday evening, Caleb Swann notched a milestone in his young career - his first start with North Texas Soccer Club as they began their 2025 campaign to defend their record-setting championship season.
While the result didn’t go NTSC’s way, losing 3-0 to St Louis City SC 2, moments like these are just the beginning for young players getting their taste of the next level, how soccer can be exhilarating and cruel all at the same time.
Swann signed on December 20, 2024 with North Texas, but that was not his first introduction to FC Dallas’ reserve team. Throughout last year’s campaign, he trained with that championship side, gaining valuable experience and a hint of what was to come. It was an eye-opening experience, but it confirmed his desire to make a go at the professional game.
“Getting to play with them each and every day helped grow me as a player, not only physically or technically but also mentally. They gave me a taste of the pro life. I had to ask myself if this is what I want to do for the majority of my life. And after training with them, it was,” Caleb said with a smile. “Also getting to watch them win the championship was awesome.”
The FC Dallas Academy product did not begin his career in Frisco but rather started with the Solar Soccer Club.
“It’s been a great experience,” Swann told Afterburn about the past few years with the academy. “I started out with Solar, but I grew up playing FC Dallas every month. The competition was always there. I think they just had a little bit more edge. The older I got, the more I wanted to become a pro. I decided to take the next step, and FC Dallas provided that.”
But the young midfielder had options as well. The University of Maryland, one of the strong soccer programs at the D1 collegiate level, offered him a coveted spot in their program. But after getting that taste with North Texas, he was ready to take the next step, turning down the offer from UMD.
Swann’s preferred position is at the 8, a box-to-box midfielder, though he can slot in at the 6 or 10. On Sunday, head coach John Gall pushed him into that more advanced position, but it’s not something Caleb shirks away from.
“I do like getting myself around the box, finding some goals or assists,” he said.
With a massive turnover this offseason for FC Dallas in players and new head coach Eric Quill, North Texas is experiencing a shift in tactics and mentality too. Those changes are something that Caleb thinks has been good for this group of players.
“I would say it’s helped us a lot. Last year was a little more about tactical play,” he said. “We still have that, but we implement a little more mentality. We want to go get the ball in the press, or when we lose it, go get it right back - the ‘dawg’ mentality. This year, I think we have a bunch of ‘dawgs’ on our team.”
Among the new players he already is excited to work with, he highlighted Indiana University product Sam Sarver who brings experience and a strong work ethic. He noted too how special it is to work with the guys coming down from the first team, each who set a tone for what it will take for these young guys to elevate their game.
Swann has known North Texas head coach John Gall for a long time, regularly seeing him as Solar and FC Dallas Academy teams sparred on Saturday mornings.
“He’s a great coach, and I’m excited to play for him,” Caleb said. “He likes to talk about getting to the next room, which is FC Dallas.”
That emphasis on getting to the “next room” captures where Swann sees his future, taking a future step with a homegrown contract with FC Dallas and then playing in Europe someday. He knows too that involves the little things - giving 100% on the field, doing the back room stuff like weight training and film study. Ultimately, though, it’s a joy to play this game for a living.
But he would not have gotten here without help, without support, without those cheerleading him on.
“My mom, first. And my dad. They have been by my side the whole ride. They understand that this is what I want to do,” Caleb said. “My mom was a soccer player at SMU. She has a little Colombian side to her. She is super feisty and loves winning just as much as me. My dad played football at SMU, and he has a really good work ethic. I’ve learned from both of them. I have three great siblings - an older sister, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Having them by my side supporting me has helped a lot.”
We’ll be posting the audio to the interview later this week, so be sure to subscribe to our podcast right here on the site if you want to hear more from one of FC Dallas’ newest academy products who will get his opportunity this season to impress.