Saturday 28 November 2015 13:30, UK
Jamie Vardy is setting up an academy to help undiscovered non-league players make the leap to professional football.
The Leicester striker is convinced there is untapped talent capable of matching his dream rise from Stocksbridge Park Steels to England.
And the 28-year-old, who is on the brink of a new Premier League record for consecutive scoring games, is ready to put his money where his mouth is.
"I know there are players out there in a similar position to where I was that just need an opportunity," said Vardy, whose V9 Academy will accept applications from May 2016 for its first intake.
"More and more players are dropping out of the system early. For me, it was at Sheffield Wednesday when I was 16 because they thought I was too small. I remember how that felt and it's difficult to come back from or even think about the professional game.
"I've thought for some time that something could be done about it and after several conversations with my agent and my fiancee, Becky, we decided to set up V9 to unearth talent and give those players a shot - hopefully at earning professional contracts but also to learn what it takes to be a professional at the highest level."
The first intake of 60 will take part in a week-long course in the summer of 2017, working under coaches with Football League or Premier League experience.
Players will be evaluated technically, tactically, mentally and physically and be educated in key areas such as nutrition, social behaviour and sports psychology.
They will then be provided with individual development plans and scouts from clubs will also be invited to watch training and games.
John Morris, Vardy's agent, said: "For the players that show the aptitude to play in the Football League, we will work closely with them to make sure they are placed in the best football environment to go and fulfil their potential.
"We believe there are many more Jamie Vardys out there. The V9 Academy aims to find them."
