Federico Bessone Neil Taylor Learning Soccer Academy
13th July
Former Swansea City defender Federico Bessone returned to Swansea this week to help coach an academy of young footballers from Spain.
The Argentine, who made 37 appearances for the Swans during two separate spells, was reunited with Swans defender Neil Taylor who stopped by to see his former teammate at Landore.
Bessone, who still plays semi-professionally for Catalonian side AE Prat, launched the Learning Soccer Academy alongside his brother, Fran, earlier this year.
Fede's team of Spanish coaches were joined by counterparts from Swans Community Trust and Swans Ladies to train the 50 youngsters from Barcelona.
"It is great to be back, I have some very happy memories from Swansea," Bessone said.
"Since we launched the academy I wanted to bring them here, it is a fantastic opportunity to show them Swansea and Wales.
"Not only are we introducing these young players to a new part of the world, a new culture and language, but the young footballers also have an opportunity to train at a Premier League facility.
"I have been very lucky in my career, I played in Barcelona, Espanyol and Swansea, all of which gave me very good learning experiences from some very good managers. Now I would like to pass that knowledge on and share the experience I had with young players in the game."
Swansea City defender Neil Taylor, fresh from his successful Euro 2016 campaign with Wales, also joined Fede and the team at Landore.
The Welsh international met the young players answering their questions before passing on a pair of his boots to be awarded to their 'player of the week'.
"I'm still in touch with Neil and asked him to come and see the boys," Bessone continued. "He has had a long season both for Swansea and Wales so I really appreciate him stopping by. It was great for him to meet everyone.
"He is a magnificent player, it was great to see him get his first international goal at Euro 2016.
"Wales is on the map because of the Euro's and the national sides' inspirational performance in France.
"I have been able to tell the players on the tour about my time playing with Tayls and Ashley Williams which is fantastic to pass this on to them."
