TALENTED teenage footballer Jake Burgess is on the verge of signing a professional contract with League One club Leyton Orient after being selected to train with their first team squad.
The 16-year-old, from Whiteparish, impressed Orient manager Russell Slade during the Final of Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract competition, which attracted a recordbreaking 5,700 entries.
The 22 finalists played at Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on March 2 in front of Slade, Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth and Swindon Town’s Mark Cooper, who then made two selections each.
“When I was told I had made it through to Orient’s boot-camp, I couldn't believe it; I didn't know what to say,”
said Jake.
“After waiting five days for the outcome I thought it was going to be a no, so I was so relieved and excited."
Slade will now assess Jake, and one other selected player, when he joins his first team squad for a few days of intense bootcamp training.
Afterwards, one player will be awarded a one-year professional contract.
Jake reached the final after making it through a series of trials and a semi-final match.
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