His aim is to discover non-league talent and promote them to the professional game while providing them with a unique educational experience into what it takes to play at the top level.

The V9 Academy will hold its next intake of players at the City Football Academy, the training complex of Manchester City FC located on the Etihad Campus. The academy will host 42 successful applicants who will be split into 3 teams of 14 players for a 5-day residential programme.

A host of professional clubs will be represented at the V9 Academy ranging from top domestic British clubs and clubs from further afield in Europe and beyond, all in search of the next Jamie Vardy.