FOOTBALL: Cirencester Academy keeper past stage one of Samsung Win a Pro Contract competition (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Harrison Ellis aiming to catch Paolo's eye

11:24am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Sport

HARRISON ELLIS, who plays in goal for Cirencester Academy, has been short-listed in a nationwide competition to win a pro playing contract with a Football League club.

Goalkeeper, Harrison, 18 from Hullavington, will now take part in the first-round trials of Samsung’s Win A Pro Contract that could see him sign up for either Swindon Town or Leyton Orient.

More than 5,000 players from all over the country entered Win A Pro Contract – and Harrison is already through to skills testing sessions.

Last year’s winner, Chris Smith, was a student before he signed for Swindon Town in February. Chris made his first team debut against Bradford Town in May.

Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio said: “It is an amazing prize. But it will not be an easy journey for the players who have entered. They will have to work very hard.” The two winners will be chosen in January 2013.

CIRENCESTER TOWN’S first team face a tough task when they entertain Guildford City in the Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

City have begun their Evo-Stik Div 1 Central league campaign with five straight wins, scoring 14 goals, and signed prolific striker Scott Todd this week.