St Albans goalkeeper vying for pro contract
Haydn Dodge - Credit: Archant
GOALKEEPER Haydn Dodge reckons the experience of playing for England Students has set him up to make the transition to pro.
The 20-year-old, of Park Street, St Albans, has entered Samsung’s Win A Pro Contract competition in the hope of signing for either Swindon Town, Leyton Orient or Wycombe Wanderers.
Haydn, who plays for Hitchin Town FC in the Calor League, said: “Playing for my university, I was scouted by the manager of the England Students.
“I already had a lot of semi-pro experience, and matches against Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland Students added to that.
“In a way football has given me an income while I have been studying law but I need to go all the way.
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“The Samsung competition seems like a great chance. I need to jump that final hurdle.”
For the first time since Win A Pro Contract was launched in 2010, there are three professional contracts on offer as Wycombe Wanderers join Samsung’s existing partnerships with Swindon Town and Leyton Orient.
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Amateur players of all abilities can enter the competition and this year three winners will earn one-year professional contracts – one at each Football League club.
Hopefuls will be tested at regional skills trials and 11-a-side matches as they bid to kick-start their dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
Last year’s winners, Jack Sherratt and Kayden Jackson, signed for Leyton Orient and Swindon Town respectively, and are hoping to make first-team debuts this season.
Registration for Samsung Win A Pro Contract 2013/14 closes on Monday September 16. Entrants must be 17 years of age by June 30, 2014.
To sign up, please go to www.facebook.com/samsungfootball
