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Chris Smith became the second player in as many seasons to be granted a professional contract with newly-promoted League One outfit Swindon Town thanks to Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract competition. The event attracted over 5,000 hopefuls before Smith emerged victorious earlier this year.
After winning the one-year contract under veteran manager Paolo di Canio, Smith has had to change lifestyles from that of a Staffordshire University student working in his father’s oatcake shop, playing for Stone Dominoes in the fifth tier of non-league football, to that of a professional footballer - something he has found tough but rewarding.
He said: “The training is hard work, it’s a lot different to what I was used to but it’s alright now. It’s a massive step-up to before, and the pace and physicality is a massive change to when I played once a week for Stone Dominoes. It’s physically demanding but you have to take the good with the bad.”
One of two finalists, Chris remembers waiting by the phone for a call from Swindon manager Paolo di Canio to hear if he had been successful – a moment he will never forget. He recalled: “I knew it had happened but it didn’t quite sink in, it was such a surreal feeling. It was absolutely amazing news and it’s completely changed my life. The past few months since I left university have been a complete whirlwind. It’s a massive change but I’d do it all over again if I got the chance.”
Fingers crossed
After making his debut against Bradford on the last day of the 2011/12 season, Chris hopes to impress di Canio enough to secure further time on the pitch. He said: “I was buzzing when I was put on against Bradford, and was absolutely over the moon that I got the chance to play.
“I’m hoping for a few more appearances next season and get fitter before then. If I can get fit and Paolo trusts me enough then fingers crossed he’ll put me in the team.”
He was also quick to thank the support and guidance of his manager and team-mates at Swindon:
“Paolo has been absolutely amazing for me. Di Canio has been like a teacher and has taught me the main parts of my role, my positioning, when to run down the lines and everything in between. He’s spot-on in terms of his coaching and I’ve just kept improving thanks to him.
“The players have been really helpful too, keeping me calm when things don’t go right or encouraging me when things go well. Listening to what they say and believing in myself has been a huge help.”
As for the future, Chris is leaving his fate in the hands of his manager. He said: “I just want to work as hard as possible and give myself the best possible chance to get a contract extension. If I go on loan it’s not the worst thing though, and it’ll give me a chance to get some experience too. For now though, I’m focusing on the upcoming stages with Swindon and I’ll go from there.”
Registration open for Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract 2012/13
Chris Smith was chosen out of 5,500 applicants for a one-year professional contract with Swindon Town FC earlier this year, and was quick to praise the scheme: “I need to thank Samsung for launching the Win a Pro Contract competition in the first place, and giving me the chance to play for Swindon. If I didn’t have that, I’d still be playing for Stone Dominoes and working in my dad’s oatcake shop. I owe them everything, really.”
With registration now open for next year’s competition, Chris believes that any young footballer should apply for it since it could change their life forever. He said: “If somebody feels they have something to prove they should definitely apply. There’s a lot of talent out there and it does get missed sometimes. “If you think you have a bit of talent or something to show then go for it, and if you’re good enough you’ll get picked up. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Registration for Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract 2012/13 is open from now until August 31, with two contracts on offer for the first time – one at Swindon Town and one at Leyton Orient. To submit an entry or vote for a friend who has entered, visit Samsung’s Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/samsungfootball/app_130857653658015
By James Hartnett
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