Samsung Win A Pro Reaches Final Stages

Three amateur players will be given the chance to train with the Swindon Town first team in the new year after impressing Paolo Di Canio at the Final of Samsung’s Win A Pro Contract competition.? ?

More than 5,000 hopefuls entered the competition and went through regional and national trials to make the Final, which took place in front of 1,000 Town fans at the County Ground on Wednesday.? ?

With Di Canio and his backroom staff watching on, the top 11 players took on a Swindon XI that included top-scorer Medhi Kerrouche and former AC Milan defender Alberto Comazzi, as well as last year’s Win A Pro Contract winner, Jordan Pavett.

The match end 3-1 to Swindon – although 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.

??Di Canio said: ‘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 Italian will now invite three players to train with the first team in January – before rewarding one with a one-year professional deal at Swindon Town.