FOOTBALL fans from across the world are rushing to take part in a competition which will give them an opportunity to sign a one-year contract with a premiership team.

Within 24 hours of launch of its One of the Lads competition on Tuesday, Sunderland AFC received more than 1,000 applications from as far away as the US, Hong Kong and Thailand, as well as closer to home.

The competition marks the re-launch of safc.com, Sunderland's official website, and will give one fan the opportunity to become a player for a season.

It is the first of its kind in British football.

Each month, the successful entrant will take part in a series of once-in-a-lifetime events.

These include travelling to an away game on the team coach, taking part in a training session, an invitation to the players' lounge after a match and penning their own column in The Sun.

Supporters can enter by logging on to safc.com and filling in a registration form.

The club will choose seven finalists and two finalists will be decided by fans in a Big Brother-style competition.

The finalists will meet at the Stadium of Light for a showdown during half-time in the Sunderland versus Blackburn premiership clash on September 8.

The winner will be later unveiled alongside manager Peter Reid.

The prize will be offered to over 18-year-olds, but there is a prize for younger fans, including the chance to be a mascot and ball boy.

Sponsors Hays Travel are also offering a runners-up prize of a holiday of a lifetime.

The closing date for entries is Monday, August 27.