Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is launching his own academy.

The summer school, named V9 Academy, will give selected players a week of coaching to Premier League standard at a base in England.

The aim is to discover potential hidden gems who, like Vardy, missed an early chance to gain a foothold at a professional club but have an ability and mentality that can be harnessed.

Vardy told the Daily Mail: "I know there are players out there in a similar position to where I was, that just need an opportunity.

"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 fiancée, 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 and understand what it takes to be a professional at the highest level."