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.

“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.

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