Maidstone United defender Sam Smith on his path from Southern Counties East Division 1 to National League South football

Young defender Sam Smith is grateful for the opportunity to show what he can do at Maidstone.

Smith had been playing Step 6 football at Southern Counties East Division 1 side Rochester when he went on trial with the Stones’ under-23s.

Having caught the eye of head of recruitment Zach Foster-Crouch, he was invited to train with the senior squad last season, earning a deal.

He starred in the Kent Senior Cup final win over Ebbsfleet and signed a new contract over the summer.

Manager George Elokobi has big faith in the 20-year-old who started Maidstone’s opening two National League South games of the season on the left of a back three.

“Obviously Reiss Greenidge had a little knock and it gave me an opportunity to come in at St Albans,” said Smith.

“I made a good impression and got another start.

“There’s going to be nerves to start with but after the first 10 minutes they go away and you just focus on the game.

“I came here just on trial with the 23s. I was with them for about six months and trained with the first team for a couple of months and then around Christmas time got offered a contract.

“I was offered another one this season, so it’s good.

“I was playing Step 6 for Rochester in the SCEFL and all of a sudden I’ve come down here and it’s gone really well.

“I’ve bounced up and kept going.

“I was playing for Sevenoaks under-18s and stuff like that and then Rochester and now on to this.

“It went through Zach and when I came to train with the first-team boys I thought I’ve got to put myself about and really show George and Craig (Fagan, assistant manager) what I’m about.

“I’m thankful to them for giving me an opportunity to show what I can do.

“The thing with the gaffer and Craig is they trust the young boys and they