Catapult works with V9 Academy to support development of non-league talent
Catapult recently supported the V9 Academy with elite athlete monitoring technology during the project’s training camp at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus.
The brainchild of Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy, the V9 Academy has been established to give the best young players in non-league football an opportunity to shine in front of top level coaches and scouts in a high performance environment.
“V9 came around because of Jamie and Rebekah Vardy, and Jamie’s agent John Morris, who decided that they wanted to do something to give back to non-league,” said Lee Tucker, V9 Project Lead & Head of Recruitment. “The purpose of the week really is to give the lads an insight into what it takes to be a professional footballer at the highest level.”
Using Catapult S5 units, the V9 Academy players were profiled in training across several categories including speed, agility, endurance and power. The data allowed the athletes to compare themselves against each other, as well as against Football League players in their position to understand the physical demands at that level.
“It’s been an amazing experience for the boys to be able to receive some data about their individual and team statistics regarding what they’re doing in a game,” said Tucker. “We’re fortunate enough to be able to compare them to some of the top footballers in the country, so it gives them a real appreciation of what it takes to play at the highest level.”
Giving a second chance to talented players who may have slipped through the net, the 2018 edition of the V9 Academy has already seen several players graduate into the professional ranks. As part of Catapult’s commitment to bringing performance technologies to all levels of sport, we’re proud to support the work of this unique and highly successful project.