IT'S every would-be footballer's dream - plucked from park football with its jumpers for goal posts and handed the chance to earn a professional contract.

York City trialist Theo Gunnissen is living that dream, after a holiday kick-about led all the way to Bootham Crescent.

The 23-year-old Dutchman is currently in the middle of a week-long trial with the Minstermen and capped a promising display for City's reserves against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday with a goal.

But, a postman in his native Holland, Gunnissen's brush with the big-time is real Roy of the Rovers stuff.

On holiday with family and friends in Majorca this summer, the midfielder was spotted playing football outside his hotel by Copmanthorpe Football Club secretary Tony McGale

"There was a small field outside the hotel and I was playing with some Italian and English boys and Tony saw me playing and said I was good, come to York City for training and see what happens," explained the Dutchman.

McGale said: "There was a lot of sporting activities in the holiday complex but there was always a game of football every day.

"The Italians played like a team and took it very seriously, all wearing the same shirts and even shin-pads.

"But I could see Theo was a bit special and as Copmanthorpe is now a feeder club for City's juniors I obviously know a few people down at the club and thought I would put in a word when I got back."

Back in Holland, Gunnissen, who is staying with McGale this week, plays for his local amateur team NFC, based just outside Amsterdam in Amstelveen.

He compares the standard to 'division six' in English football, the equivalent of probably the UniBond League and below the Nationwide Conference in the non-league pyramid.

But the flying Dutchman insisted he had never given up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer, even at the age of 23.

"I trained with a couple of teams in Holland but it didn't work out so I am trying in England now," he explained.

"And this is a chance and I hope to get a contract.

"I think York City is a good club and everyone is very friendly."

Gunnissen admitted the harum-scarum nature of Third Division reserve team football had come as a major culture shock and he found Tuesday night's match tough. But he is willing and determined to adjust.

"In Holland all the balls come in at your feet and so now if I wanted to play here it is something I would have to get used to so I am training and training.

"It is very fast and quick and it is difficult for me because I am not strong enough so I have to train and work on my fitness."