JAMIE Symes will rub shoulders with professional footballers later this month when he undergoes a trial at Championship outfit Blackpool.

The 16-year-old is due to take the long journey to West Lancashire on January 31 before embarking on his four-day audition in front of first-team boss Ian Holloway.

Originally Symes was supposed to be in Blackpool this week, but the inclement weather proved too big an obstacle to overcome.

New dates have been agreed though, and the Dorchester Town midfielder, who has signed dual registration forms with Bridport, cannot wait for his chance to impress.

He told the Echo: “I want to show Ian what I’m capable of and I’m really looking forward to going up there and training with the first team every morning.

“If I they like me then they will keep an eye on me while I’m with Dorchester and Bridport, because I can’t sign any sort of contract until June, when I will turn 17.

“Ian said it’s more of an opportunity for me to look at them and see if I like it. It’s so far away that if the chance comes for me to sign, I need to make sure I’ll be happy there.”

After being recommended by Des Bulpin, who worked under Holloway at Queen’s Park Rangers, Symes was personally invited for a trial by the Tangerines’ supremo.

Ex-Terras’ boss Bulpin, now at the helm of the Philippine national team, had been enraptured by the youngster’s ability while working at Kingston Maurward College.

Utility man Symes joined Bridport last summer and his virtuoso performances alerted former Dorchester chief Roy O’Brien, who brought him to the Jewson Stadium.

Though his chances have been limited, Symes played 20 minutes in the FA Trophy tie against Weymouth and has since returned to the Bees, where he has again been a mainstay.

Describing the transition into senior football, Symes said: “It was hard at first and I was nervous but Trevor Senior has been great and restored my confidence.

“I lost my confidence when I was at Yeovil where I didn’t get a scholarship, but I’m enjoying my football again and have got used to the physical nature of this level.

“Bridport have been great and the players have really supported me. I think I’ll be staying there to get more experience but Ashley Vickers can call me back if he needs me.

“My friends were watching when I played for Dorchester against Weymouth and although I wasn’t on for too long, Roy O’Brien said I really impressed him.”

Despite being on the threshold of a career in football, Symes recognises the value of having an education to fall back on, should his dream not materialise.

He is enrolled in a football studies course at Kingston Maurward, which will run until summer 2011, and says he is determined to see it through.

Symes added: “I’m really enjoying my course and definitely want to finish it because it’s important to have some qualifications if playing football doesn’t work out.”