A HANDFUL of footballers from the borough of Bexley are in the running to win a dream professional contract with a Football League club.

More than 5,700 players from all over the country entered the Samsung Win A Pro Contract competition for the chance to win a deal with Swindon Town, Wycombe Wanderers or Leyton Orient.

That number has already been whittled down to 360, with three lucky winners set to bag the eventual prize.

The five shortlisted contenders from Bexley are Sidcup’s Samuel Obaseki, 18, and Matt Woodcock, 19, Crayford’s Solomon Akinshade, 20, Welling’s Tom Day, 16, and Erith 18-year-old Chris Farrell.

Defender Obaseki said: “I'm really excited about this opportunity, it’s the biggest chance I have had whilst playing.

“For those who know me, I have said all I need is one chance - I believe this is my chance and I will take it.

“I can go all the way to the end in the competition because I know I have the qualities to be a professional footballer.

“To win a pro contract would mean a lot and show my hard work has not gone to waste.

“If I win it would show that perseverance is the key to success.”

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.

To follow how the Bexley quintet progress in the competition, visit facebook.com/samsungfootball

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