Camden footballer’s a step closer to his dream of winning professional contract

Camden footballer Charlie Ball is a step closer to winning a dream professional contract with Leyton Orient, Swindon Town or Wycombe Wanderers.

The 19-year-old midfielder, from Malden Crescent in Camden Town, is one of 88 players who have progressed to the semi-final stages of Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract competition, which attracted a record 5,700 entrants.

Ball impressed the Football CV scouts at his regional trial at Gillette Corner Goals Soccer Centre.

Along with 19-year-old right-back Oliver Noel, from Finchley Road in Hampstead, he will now compete in an 11-a-side match against fellow hopefuls at Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on Sunday.

Ball said: “It feels amazing to make it through to the semi-finals. I can’t explain just exactly how I felt when I received confirmation that I’d progressed.

“Since the regional trial I’ve been training as much as possible to keep myself fit and match-ready.

“To be just two games away from a professional contract is mind blowing. I can’t wait, and hopefully I’ll impress everyone there.”