Swans begin coaching in South Africa
27th March
Swansea City Academy coaches have begun their two-week trip to South Africa by working with two football clubs in the Cape Town area.
Five academy coaches have this week trained young players from age six through to an under-19 level at SA League 1 side Milano United and amateur club Bothasig AFC.
Off the field, academy staff have also offered key advice with tactical workshops giving local coaches in the area an idea of how to follow the Swansea style to help develop players.
Academy Head of Coaching, David Adams, believes the trip is helping deliver the Swansea brand to a new continent.
"So far we have reached over 200 children and young players with the clubs we have visited," he said.
"We have had a chance to meet and work with some good technical athletes, helping them develop in five areas including shooting, passing, goalkeeping, defending, ball skills before holding small-sided games.
"We have outlined our coaching programme showing how Swans Academy develops players from age nine right through to an under-21 level.
"The most important thing for us is that we leave an imprint on the players and coaches here and we inspire them to develop more players at a grassroots level so that they feel enthused by football."
Milano Youth Development Officer, Brandon Tooter, said the chance to train with Premier League football coaches has been inspiring.
"It is an honour to have Swansea City here at our club to pass on their knowledge to our boys," he said.
"For our players and coaches to have interaction with Premier League coaches on and off the pitch is huge.
"You can see our players have had a massive boost from this, they have learned a lot from their time with Swansea and it will definitely help take their football further."
Following a media day on Wednesday where the Swans Academy coaches will spend time with a few more local clubs, including Ajax Cape Town, before the Under-19s team arrive in South Africa on Tuesday ahead of the kick-off for the Metropolitan Premier Cup.
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