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A documentary based on the search for the next Jamie Vardy will be shown on Sky from September.

 

The Leicester City and England star’s story is well-known, rising from non-league football with Stocksbridge Park Steels and FC Halifax Town to Premier League champion with the Foxes.

 

Vardy has since set up his ‘V9 Academy’, as he looks to help identify non-league talents that could follow his route into the professional game.

 

The new series will look behind the scenes of the academy, with a number of non-league players coming under the watch of scouts from around the world.

 

The six-part series has been produced by Zig Zag productions and will also be broadcast on Sky Sports’ new dedicated Premier League channel in September

 

Some of the players involved have already completed moves to professional clubs, including Tamworth striker Danny Newton, who signed for Stevenage after his spell in the academy.

 

Nuneaton Town star Alex Penny is also featured in the series and he completed a move to Peterborough United during pre-season.

 

Discussing his academy, Vardy said “There’s massive talent out there in non-league football and I hope this documentary has demonstrated that, by putting the spotlight on players trying to find a way to the top.

 

“I’m now hopeful that some of the clubs, scouts and players that were sceptical about what John (co-founder of V9) and I set out to do are won over.

 

“There are many more hidden gems to be found outside the league and V9 will do all it can to help players realise their ultimate dream of playing professional football for club and country.”

 

John Morris, co-founder of V9, said “With the right attitude, V9’s talented players can take the top-level by storm. The remarkable aspect of Jamie’s story is that a player of his quality is proof that hidden talent can lie undiscovered if you look hard enough.

 

“The academy has proved that there are league players within the non-leagues, with the documentary showcasing some great examples of why it is never too late to fulfil your dream of being a professional footballer.”

 

The first episode will be shown on Saturday 16th September on Sky Sports Premier League channel.

 

Article: Mark Carruthers (@marknldaily)

 

Image: Reuters Media