Swans announce new youth partner

Swansea City have strengthened their youth links Stateside after confirming SoCal Elite FC as a new youth partner.

Based in Southern California, SoCal Elite FC follow Wisconsin-based North Shore United - the Swans’ first official youth partner club – in linking up with the Swans.

Set up in 2018, SoCal Elite FC has competitive boys and girls teams ranging from 2005 to 2012 age groups as well as a year-round Junior Academy programme for pre-club aged players.

The five-year partnership will allow the Swans to send academy coaches to the States to pass on their expertise and nurture SoCal Elite FC’s youngsters.

In turn, SoCal Elite FC will visit Swansea to develop their own coaches and players within the academy environment at Landore.

Patrick Collins, Swansea City’s head of international business development, said: “It’s great to welcome SoCal Elite as our second Official Youth Partner Club in the US.

“We’re excited to work with Executive Director David Oh and his team to grow his newly-formed club while at the same time build the Swansea City fanbase in California.

David Oh, SoCal Elite FC's founder and executive director, added: "We are thrilled to formalise our partnership with Swansea City as it offers our players unparalleled access to a professional club in the UK with as a rich culture of developing top players.

"Through our partnership with Swansea City, we have a unique opportunity for our high-level players to have a potential professional pathway and exposure at a high level.

"Furthermore, the access we have to Swansea City’s coaching curriculum and receiving the Swansea City Academy's guidance is priceless.

"We hope to challenge, develop, and nurture our coaching staff through this partnership and in turn, offer more to our teams and players."