The Final - Win A Pro Contract
SoccerBible took a seat at the County Ground alongside Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio and his backroom staff to watch the Final match of Samsung s Win a Pro Contract competition.
The race to win a professional playing contract with Swindon Town is nearing its close. More than 5,000 players entered. Eleven hopefuls remain. Three will receive invitations to train with the first team for a week before the dream comes true for one player as he signs pro terms in January.
Eleven of the UK s most talented amateur footballers lined up against a Swindon Town XI including several first-teamers, notably Swindon s top- scorer Mehdi Kerrouche and former AC Milan defender Alberto Comazzi.
Eager to impress the scouts and with the prize at stake, it wasn t a surprise to see the trialists sweating even before they went out for a warm-up in front of a crowd of 1,000 expectant Swindon Town fans.
A pre-match pep talk from Paolo Di Canio ensured the amateur side were buzzing as they took to the field for kick-off.
The trialists impressed in the opening period, coming close to breaking the deadlock while keeping last year s Win A Pro Contract winner, Jordan Pavett, quiet at the other end of the pitch.
On Paolo s instruction, four amateurs switched sides with the pros at half-time to give the scouts a chance to see how they would adapt to playing alongside Swindon s current crop of talent..
The match opened up in the second half with 21-year-old former Brighton and Hove Albion trainee Kane Louis scoring a brace. The first a penalty calmly slotted inside the post, the second a neatly tucked right footed finish across the keeper after being released by Mehdi Kerrouche.
Determined not to be out-done, Swindon s Algerian hitman Kerrouche showed his class with a sublime back-post left-footed volley.
A late penalty gave the predominantly amateur team a consolation as the game finished 3-1.
Following the game, Paolo told SoccerBible he had been impressed with what he had seen and had a tough decision on his hands:
"All of the players worked extremely hard to make it to the Final. They all deserved a chance to show their ability."
"I was very pleased with what I saw. They played against a more experienced team but managed to hold their own and show their quality."
"Before the match there were two players which I liked. Now there are a few more who impressed me. I have a tough decision to make but am looking forward to the players joining my squad for training in January."
"It will be a tough experience for them but Samsung have provided an amazing opportunity for them to earn a professional contract. I m sure one of them has got what it takes."
The three players selected to train with the first-team will be announced in early January.
The Win a Pro contract winner will also pick up a dream boot deal from www.prodirectsoccer.com - stay tuned to SoccerBible for an interview with the lucky player. Were you one of the lucky eleven to play, and did you originally enter the competition? Join the conversation online.
