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Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has become the owner of the American football club Rochester Rhinos.
England’s former international Vardy has bought a minority stake in New York State but has no plans to withdraw from the game.
Founded in 1996, Rochester hasn’t competed at any level in four years, but it has won national championships four times and is the only non-MLS team to have won the U.S. Open Cup.
With Vardy involved, they plan to re-establish the team in 2022.
Rochester Rhinos plans to play competitively again in 2022. Photo: @rochesterrhinos
The Dworkin family, who have owned rhinos since 2016, have been negotiating with Vardy and his representatives for more than two years.
Much of Vardy’s plan is to try to create some of the success he managed at England’s “V9 Academy,” which gave a second chance to non-league players who Vardy thought were good enough to play professional football.
Rochester has now signed a partnership with the prestigious Empire United Soccer Academy, which is working with rhinos to provide a path for the first team to local elite players.
Leicester has given Vardy permission to pursue this opportunity as he continues to focus on gaming.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the rhinos,” Vardy said. “I’ve been looking at opportunities in the US for a while, but there was something in Rochester and rhinos that felt right.
David and Wendy Dworkin have owned Rochester Rhinos since 2016. Photo: @rochesterrhinos
“I love the story of winning the U.S. Open Cup, and even though the club has gone through difficult years in a way that makes it more enjoyable for me.
“When I started talking to David and Wendy (Dworkin) – and we’ve had so many conversations through video calls – I noticed how excited they are about rhino, and I knew I wanted to get involved and try to call to help turn things around.
“It’s not easy, but I never do anything the easy way in life!”
Dworkins also owns the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
Vardy is the fourth highest scorer in Leicester history
“This is a huge coup for Rochester and the rhinos,” David Dworkin said.
“Jamie Vardy is known all over the football world for his success and inspiring story, and we are delighted that he has decided to join us as a co-owner.
“In addition to the experience, knowledge and profile that Jamie brings to our club, one of the things that has really shone through in our conversations with him is how incredibly passionate he is about this project.
“Jamie definitely agrees we want to give Rochester another successful football team.”
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