TV programme brings Italian football dream a step closer for Dominic - 8/1/10

Published: 08 January, 2010

Lower sixth pupil and footballer, Dominic Matcham, 17, is through to the last ten of a reality TV programme that will see the winner walk away with a contract with football giants, Inter Milan.

Dominic was selected from more than 7,000 talented hopefuls from the UK and Ireland to appear on Sky 1's 'Football's Next Star'.  After a series of intensive trials, Dominic has found himself jetting off to Italy with the other finalists to stay in a luxury villa beside Lake Como. 

The series is presented by former Liverpool, Spurs and England player, Jamie Redknapp who is on hand with advice and help for the finalists. With the cameras following their every move, a daily training schedule has left little time for sight-seeing.  Adding to the pressure is the knowledge that one footballer will get eliminated at the end of each programme. 

Dominic was put forward for the programme by the Football Association after he went through the ranks of the Plymouth Argyle youth teams as well as completing a stint with Bristol City.

"I was over the moon when they told me I was going to Milan", said Dominic.  "The training has been quite tough as the Italian methods differ to what I'm used to and the diet is very strict - no butter or milk at breakfast!  But this is an amazing experience and to win a contract with Inter Milan would be a dream come true. I'm determined to make the most of it whatever the outcome."

Football's Next Star is on Sky1 Sundays at 8 p.m. and repeated on Fridays at 11 p.m.