We are delighted to announce the signing of 26 year-old goalkeeper Cam Mason on loan from Southport.
Guiseley AFC have signed Southport goalkeeper Cam Mason on loan, the player having been on new manager Paul Phillips’ radar for some time, writes Rachel O’Connor.
The 26-year-old from Grotton, near Oldham, is a true all-round sportsman playing a number of different sports at a good level.
On signing for Guiseley Mason said: “I have signed on loan hoping to get some game time after struggling with injury at Southport. I want to play a part in helping Guiseley and Paul push up the table.
“I have known Paul for a number of years and we have had many conversations over that time. Now seems the right time to join up with him. It has been a long time coming.”
He added:”I have played cricket against Paul’s son, he is a very good young player. When Paul came in for me I could not turn him down.”
Mason has found it difficult to battle his way back to wearing the No 1 jersey at Southport after initially getting knocked out in a game against Banbury United. He got back into the side but was not 100 per cent and picked up a niggle in his knee.
He observed: “I have struggled to get back into the side so it will be good for me to get some game time. I have played against Guiseley a number of times and I have always enjoyed it.
“I am not eligible for Saturday’s FA Trophy game as one of my few appearances for Southport this season was in the FA Trophy.”
Mason was wicketkeeper-batsman for Saddleworth last season as they won the division 2B title in the Greater Manchester Cricket League; is one of the area’s top crown green bowlers and is close to achieving a single-figure handicap at golf.
He has also represented Dobcross Band Club at darts and snooker in their respective leagues and whilst at St Anne’s School, Lydgate, he represented them at running and also played rugby and lacrosse.
Whilst at Saddleworth School Mason was a keen basketball player and had a spell at Manchester Magic before deciding to prioritise football. During a spell in Australia he added to his impressive sporting port folio by playing mixed netball, basketball and handball.
Football however, remains Mason’s great love and it has been an eventful journey since he was scouted by Blackburn Rovers’ shadow academy while playing for Saddleworth School.
He was in the Academy at Oldham Athletic and also served an apprenticeship at Chesterfield. After being released by the Spireites he spent six months in Australia, where he played semi-professional football.
Mason then had seven years at Curzon Ashton before leaving last summer for Southport FC. Whilst at Curzon Ashton he was selected for the England C squad for a non-league international against Wales only for the game to be called off because of Covid-19.
Another highlight of his career was being asked to be the goalkeeper as Nigerian international striker Odion Ighalo performed finishing drills during a loan spell at Manchester United.
Mason, who starred in junior cricket for Uppermill, said that the demands of football mean he misses the start and finish to the cricket campaigns.
At bowls he has won four club competitions and stars for the teams which play in the Chadderton League and the Failsworth League.
He lost only one of 19 games for both teams during the season just ended and was third in the Failsworth League’s Order of Merit, something he thinks he maybe would have won but for missing five games due to football.
He said: “It is a juggling act with football, cricket and bowls while also working at the Skoda dealership in Rochdale. My employers have been very supportive in allowing me flexibility to leave early for training and matches with Southport FC.”
Until the pandemic Mason was a member at Ashton Golf Club and played off a handicap of 12. He is keen to get back playing next year in pursuit of reaching his dream of a single figure handicap.
Cam’s home, away and training kits are all available to sponsor.
