Darlington FC are proud to announce that right back Luke Trotman, central defender Josh Heaton and midfielder Joe Wheatley have all signed for a week’s extensive coaching at the Jamie Vardy V9 Football Academy in June.

The trio have agreed to join the V9 Academy after being watched in action by former Darlington defender Lee Tucker, who represents Jamie Vardy’s organisation. The coaching takes place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, where all of the course participants will have access to City’s excellent facilities and sample a Premiership club environment between Sunday 3^rd June and Friday 8^th June.

[caption id="attachment_39860" align="alignnone" width="300"] Josh Heaton signs up for the V9 Academy[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_39867" align="alignnone" width="300"] Luke Trotman[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_39869" align="alignnone" width="300"] Joe Wheatley[/caption]

Players will be attending the Academy from different levels of the game, and will have the chance to impress the many scouts from football clubs in practice matches. Last season over 70 scouts watched these matches, and four players were impressive enough to win contracts with Football League and National League clubs. Last year, the Academy was also the subject of a Sky TV documentary.

Jamie Vardy’s story is one of from rags to riches. He started his career at Stocksbridge Park Steels, before moving up the football ladder to Halifax Town, Fleetwood and Leicester City, where he won the Premiership as well as 19 England caps.

Darlington manager Tommy Wright said; “I believe that all three of them have great potential to go further in the game, and the V9 Academy is a fantastic opportunity for them to improve their game and showcase their talent. We are proud that they have been chosen.”

Further details on the V9 academy are available here

http://www.v9academy.co.uk/