BOWERS & Pitsea talent Shomari Barnwell has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime after he was asked to train with professional outfit Cambridge United.

The Bowers striker trained with the U’s on Monday after the League Two club’s scouts spotted him playing for Bowers in the Ryman North this season.

And the man who was playing for Basildon United last season and couldn’t get into the Romford team is now in with a shot at the big time, as he looks to earn a professional deal.

Bowers manager Rob Small brought Barnwell, 21, to the club from the Bees in the summer and said telling him that Cambridge wanted him to join them for training was one of the best moments of his fledgling management career to date.

“I got a call from the head scout at Cambridge United last week and they said they wanted to invite Sham in for training,” he said.

“I have a friend that is a scout for Cambridge and I believe he was spotted when we played at Soham Town Rangers.

“Telling him was one of the best things I have done in football. I got him in, showed him my phone and the text and I watched his face light up as he read it. It gave everyone a lift.”

The Echo understands that Cambridge are one of a number of clubs higher up the football pyramid interested in Barnwell’s signature.

And it is a massive opportunity for the man who struggled to initially get into the Bowers starting eleven, with an injury to fellow-forward Brad Warner opening the door for him.

Barnwell has six goals to date this term and Small said he has earned this chance, having already turned down a significant offer from AFC Hornchurch earlier this season.

“I must commend Cambridge on the way they handled it as they said they were not looking to upset the apple cart and asked if I minded if he trained with them,” said Small.

“It is a huge opportunity for Sham and it's an acknowledgement of the improvements he has made. He is lovely boy with a good attitude.

“He is not the finished article but he has all the right attributes and if they work with him he could be a good option.

“He is level-headed and it is only training but it’s still a good achievement and who knows what will happen.

“We brought him in as someone who could make a difference. Sham had everything but needed work. He has played more than I would have anticipated but has seized his chance well.

“Four weeks ago we had a seven day approach from AFC Hornchurch and he could have gone but he wanted to stay.

“He understood what (assistant manager) Frank (Everett) and I wanted to do for him and he was very mature about it.

“This is a reward for that loyalty and seeing the bigger picture. He is in it for the long haul.”