UXBRIDGE COLLEGE STUDENT'S PRO FOOTBALL CONTRACT

An Uxbridge College student on a BTEC National Diploma in Sport says he is determined to finish his studies - despite having signed a pro contact with Stevenage Borough.

Elliott Buchanan, 18, transferred to the Blue Square Premier League club from Northwood FC at the end of January. Forward Elliott, of Tooracq Road, Harrow, scored 23 times in 26 games in the Ryman League division one north side this season.

Elliott, who is in his third year at the college, which has campuses in Uxbridge and Hayes in west London,, said: "The last couple of months I have been scoring quite a few goals and your name gets about. Stevenage seemed to have the most interest - and after two days on a trial the manager wanted to sign me. I am overwhelmed with it. It is a big step. I have been waiting for a break, I'm really happy I have got my chance and I am going to embrace it. "I want to finish my BTEC in Sport - I am in my third year at the college and it would be a shame not to finish. It is important to have a qualification to fall back on. "There's nothing I'd want more then to carry on playing football full time, I don't know where I'll end up but I'd just like to do the best I can. "The Stevenage team are a great bunch of lads, I really enjoy the training and I like the set up down there. It's good to be under Peter Taylor's wing, just little things he picks up on in training can make a real difference as long as you can take it in and use it."

Mr Taylor is former manager of England U-21s. Gavin Hughes, Head of Sport, Leisure and Public Services at Uxbridge College, said: "As you can imagine, Elliott is the envy of football fans of all ages at Uxbridge College now that he is getting paid for playing football! However he is being sensible in choosing to finish his studies, students can often get into university on the back of BTEC results and are also qualified to go into all sorts of sport and fitness-related jobs. But Elliott has certainly got the talent to rise through the ranks and make a real success of a pro career - we will be watching his career with interest."

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