Owls reject launches academy to find next generation of non-league talent

The in-form Leicester striker is setting up the V9 Academy with the aim of discovering hidden talent in non league and to stop players drifting away from the professional game.

Vardy is now an England international and the Barclays Premier League’s 13-goal top scorer since becoming non-league football’s first £1million player when he joined the Foxes from Fleetwood in 2012.

And now former Stocksbridge Park Steels and Halifax forward Vardy wants to help others achieve their dream after his remarkable rise.

“I know there are players out there in a similar position to where I was that just need an opportunity,” the 28-year-old said.

“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.”

Applications for the first intake will be taken in May 2016 and, after a selection process, 60 non-league players will be given the chance on a week-long course in summer 2017.

Any player in non-league football can apply to attend via the website www.V9Academy.co.uk