Salisbury City midfielder Jake Burgess will sign a one-year professional contract with Leyton Orient after winning the Samsung Win A Pro Contract competition.

The 16-year-old beat more than 5,700 entrants to win a contract with the League 1 club.

The midfielder made it through a series of regional trials and assessment days, before competing in an 11-a-side final at Orient’s Matchroom Stadium last month.

Burgess was one of two players selected by O’s manager Russell Slade to spend a few days of intense boot-camp training with the first-team squad.

The midfielder was then picked after impressing Slade and the Orient coaching staff.

Burgess said: “I really didn’t expect to win, so when I was told by Russell that I was the winner I was really shocked – but very pleased.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to become a professional footballer.

“I got straight on the phone to my grandparents to tell them the news and they were really excited for me.

“I can’t wait to get started at Orient now, all of the players and staff are great and I’m really looking forward to working hard for them in the future.

“For now I’m going to be dedicating my time to working on my fitness in the gym and playing as much football as possible, before joining with the squad where the real work starts.”

Burgess will now look to join up with the Orient squad in the next few months, before signing his professional contract in June.

Orient manager Russell Slade said: “Jake showed a good attitude and potential throughout the entire process.

“When he came in to train with us and play, he showed that he has ability that we can work with and hopefully develop.

“I’m really pleased for Jake and his family and hope he seizes the opportunity with both hands.”

Jack Sherratt won a contract with Orient last season but the midfielder has yet to play for the first team. 

Sky Sports will be showing a three-part documentary on Samsung Win A Pro Contract later this year.

For more information on Win A Pro Contract, please visit www.facebook.com/samsungfootball