AMATEUR footballer Kayden Jackson will sign a one-year contract with Swindon Town after winning the third Samsung Win A Pro Contract competition.
Kayden, 19, of Bradford, beat more than 5,500 entrants to win the life-changing deal.
The striker, who plays for Albion Sports FC in the Baris Northern Counties East League Division One, made it through a series of regional trials before lining up against a Leyton Orient XI at the Matchroom Stadium on January 16.
He was one of three players selected to spend a week training at Swindon and the other club in the Samsung Win A Pro Contract competition, Leyton Orient.
Kayden, who trained with Leeds United last summer, was then picked after impressing Swindon manager Kevin MacDonald and his backroom staff.
Kayden said: “When I found out I’d won, the feeling was indescribable. It was a mixture of shock and joy. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
“The quality of players in the competition was very good but I concentrated on my own game at every stage. There was no point worrying about anyone else.
“Now I can’t wait to get to Swindon and start training. I want to improve as a player, work hard and impress the manager. Hopefully I’ll earn an opportunity.
“Samsung Win A Pro Contract has changed my life. I’d urge all young players to enter – you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
MacDonald said: "Kayden did extremely well to make it to the final stage of the competition. When he came to train with us he showed a real willingness to work hard and learn.
“His attitude was excellent, and he made a good impression with everyone during training. He has a lot of pace!
“We will help him improve during his time here as a professional player at the County Ground. I am looking forward to welcoming him to the Swindon set-up in the summer.”
Kayden will be unveiled at half-time during Town’s League One home game with Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday April 16. He will join the club on a 12-month contract from July 1, 2013.
Sky Sports will be showing a three-part series on Samsung Win A Pro Contract in May.
For more information on Win A Pro Contract, please visit www.facebook.com/samsungfootball
