A TEENAGE footballer from Seend is set to fulfil a lifelong ambition after winning a two-year professional contract at Bristol City.

Luke Ballinger, 16, has spent the last two seasons playing for Trowbridge and District League side Seend but will make the step up to the City Academy in the summer.

Ballinger won his way through seven months of trials in a field of almost 100 players to win the place at the Academy in a competition organised by the Western Daily Press newspaper.

Fifteen finalists were put through their paces at Ashton Gate last week and it was Ballinger who caught the judges' eye.

The George Ward School, Melksham, pupil is currently studying for his GCSEs but when his exams are over he will get the chance to make his dream a reality.

He said: "I have wanted to be a professional footballer for as long as I can remember and this is obviously a fantastic opportunity for me.

"It was hard work to get here as 95 entrants started in the search but it has definitely been worth it.

"The other lads were really good players as well so to be selected was a great honour. I am chuffed about it."

Luke started playing at Shaw and Whitley when he was six and has since played for Forest Green Rovers under 18s, Melksham Town under 18s and the Swindon Town school of excellence.

He still plays for Melksham in the floodlit league but has stuck to playing for Seend this season.

He said: "Seend's pitch is literally just outside my house and there is a great community spirit. I have really enjoyed playing for them."

Luke impressed while playing in a match against the current Academy team and although the match ended in a 3-0 defeat they more than held their own.

After the match they were lined up in Bristol City's Dolman exhibition hall as midfielder Brian Tinnion announced the winner.

"It was very nerve racking," said Luke. "When Tinnion said my name it was an unbelievable feeling.

"The rest of the trialists were very good players so to be picked out as the top one was brilliant.

"I am actually a Swindon Town fan but it doesn't bother me playing for one of their rivals because I would do anything to play professionally."

Dad Roy Lucas and step mum Julie Holliday were full of pride for Luke.

Mr Lucas said: "In some ways it was a surprise but in another it wasn't because we knew Luke was a very talented player.

"It is a great achievement and has provided him with a good opportunity.

"It will be quite a step up from playing local football although playing men's football for Seend at his age is quite an achievement anyway."