CHRIS WADDLE went from the sausage factory to the World Cup after being rejected as a skinny kid of 16, proving the dream can come true if you’re good enough.
And for one lucky hopeful there is a chance to follow in Waddle’s footsteps and enjoy a shot at glory in Samsung’s Win A Pro Contract competition, launched this week in our sister Sunday title The People.
No one knows better than Waddle the agony of being rejected and seeing a professional career cruelly snatched away on being told: “Sorry, son”.
But the former Newcastle, Spurs, Marseille and England star is living proof that talent, a slice of good luck and a second chance can be the difference.
Up for grabs in this sensational contest – run in conjunction with mirrorfootball.co.uk – is a 12-month contract at Swindon Town, with the winner going straight into the first-team squad.
Last year, 19-year-old Jordan Pavett topped 3,600 hopefuls to sign the deal of a lifetime. This time, it is hoped there will be double the number of entries, with People columnist Waddle backing the competition all the way. Waddle said: “My story should be an inspiration to any young footballer who doesn’t make the grade. At 16, I was released by Coventry because they felt I was too small and too skinny – not that I wasn’t skilful enough.
“My world caved in because I thought I’d make the grade. It was a devastating blow. I’m sure many of the lads who enter this competition will have felt that heartbreak too.
“And I bet we all know a lad in our local pub who should have been a pro footballer but, for whatever reason, it didn’t happen. For six months, I lost my appetite for the game. But with the support of my family, I got my act together, played junior football and some pub football. Then I got a chance at Tow Law Town in the North East.
“I needed a bit of luck and it came when we played Frickley Town. I was due to be sub, but we were a man short so I played and made both goals in a 2-2 draw. I was a regular after that and, although I was still working in the sausage factory, I never gave up on my dreams of making it.
“I had belief in my ability, then Newcastle came in for me a year later – and the rest is history. A lot of players develop late like I did, so this is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has slipped through the net.
“Swindon are a big club in the wrong division, and with a guy like Paolo Di Canio as manager, a superbly skilful player in his day, this is a golden chance for someone to make a name for themselves. My advice is simple. Believe!”
HOW TO ENTER
Stage One: Online Entry
To enter Samsung’s 2011-2012 ‘Win A Pro Contract’ competition, complete the online entry form at www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/winaprocontract.
Stage Two: Regional Trials
Players will be selected by The Football League’s trials company Footballcv from the playing data they provide on the entry form. Players selected will take part in regional trials at Goals Soccer Centres across the UK. Regional trials consist of football drills and five-a-side matches.
Stage Three: Area Trials
Players who shine at the regional trials will be invited by Swindon Town scouts and management to take part in full 90-minute matches at professional and semi-professional club grounds across the UK.
Stage Four: Final Trial
Twenty-two players from the area trials will be picked to play in a full 90-minute match at Swindon’s County Ground.
Stage Five: Training Camp:
Three players from the final trial will be chosen by Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio to spend a week training with the first-team squad where they will be fully integrated into club life. At the end of the week, Paolo will pick one of the three finalists, who will be awarded a year-long professional contract with Swindon. So get your entries in NOW!
For full terms and conditions, go to: www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/winaprocontract
