England star signs up Dundee firm for mind games training at his academy
BY JAMES MONCUR j.moncur@dailyrecord.co.uk ENGLAND striker Jamie Vardy is winning mind games on the pitch with help from Scots.
The Leicester City star signed up Dundee company Insights to help motivate him and other footballers.
They also show players what will wind their opponents up.
Insights deliver selfawareness workshops at his V9 Academy that aims to unearth talent outside the top English divisions.
So far 50 players and coaches, including Vardy himself, have been helped.
Vardy, who played in England’s win against Colombia on Tuesday, said: “It was really surprising how accurate it was. It makes you find out the little things that wind people up but get people going as well, so that’s obviously going to benefit you and the team.”
The firm’s Insights Discovery tests help people understand the importance of recognising differences in a positive way.
Company spokesman Martin Kiddie said: “Only around five per cent of players are likely to be successful in obtaining a full-time contract.
“But everyone who goes through the V9 Academy will benefit from the increased self-awareness and awareness of other personality preferences.
“We’re helping enable these young people to be the best version of themselves, whether they become professional or not.
“The work we do has a serious impact on the corporate world. However, many people wouldn’t expect Insights Discovery to translate into the sporting world – but it does.
“Increased self-awareness helps prepare an athlete for the high-pressure situation they’re entering.”