In a sport dominated by the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, among other great players, all of which have one thing in common; undeniable talent from a young age.
These players went through the academy system (youth development program) in different teams and eventually reached their respective 1st teams. The reality for most young amateur players, is that if they are not talented, or show clear potential for growth, they will eventually get dropped from the academy by their clubs. Such is the level of competition and cruel reality in professional football.
Jamie Vardy, unlike these players, became just another youngster falling short of his dream at the age of 16 when Sheffield Wednesday FC axed him from their youth program due to his below average size. Anyone who has ever experienced this at any level can attest of the devastating effects it can have on a young player’s psychological development.
However, for Jamie Vardy, this would not be the end of his dream but the beginning of a journey that would come to inspire thousands of football fans while destroying stereotypes and defying extraordinary odds along the way.
Following his dismissal from SWFC, Jamie would join Stocksbridge Park Steels youth program. It was here that Vardy would begin his journey to the top. He began by making it to the reserves and eventually the 1st team. Earning £30 per week, Vardy would work 12 hour shifts at a carbon fiber factory to make ends meet. He would eventually help his side win promotion to the 7th division of English football in the 2008-2009 season.
After an unsuccessful trial in 2009 with Crewe Alexandra, a League Two(4th Division) side, Vardy would join 7th Division F. C. Halifax Town in 2010. In his first season, Vardy scored 26 goals and received the club’s “Player’s Player of the Year” award. In the following season, he joined 5th Division side Fleet Town FC. Jamie established himself as a key player and scored and impressive 31 goals in 37 appearances.
Vardy’s impressive form would earn him a £1,000,000 record breaking move to Leicester City FC in 2012. The Foxes were a Championship side at the time and Jamie Vardy was crucial to reaching the title in the 2013-2014 which saw them promoted to the English top flight; the Premier League.
His first season at Leicester City was met with criticism and Jamie was at the verge of quitting football altogether. Leicester’s manager, Nigel Pearson intervened and motivated Vardy to continue. Vardy and the Foxes would go on to reach the Premier League and incredibly fight off relegation their first season on the top flight. In the 2015-2016, under new manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City FC did the unthinkable and won the Premier League on May 2nd, 2016. Vardy was essential to reaching the title by scoring 24 goals and breaking Ruud Van Nistelroy’s record of consecutively scoring in 10 games by scoring in 12 consecutive games at the age of 28.
Jamie Vardy has a particular success story. Less than 5 years ago he was playing in the 7th division of English football, and he is now a champion in the Premier League. He is living proof that hard work and dedication can overcome obstacles and adversities. In a highly competitive sport, Jamie Vardy serves as an example to all young players who seek to one day become professional players of what they too can potentially achieve when facing adverse situations along their journeys.
Watch all of his incredible goals during Leicester City 2015-2016 title winning campaign here
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