Swans help develop Chinese coaches

Swansea City are helping develop the next generation of coaches in China as part of a collaboration with Swansea University and the Welsh Football Trust.

The Swans are currently hosting 60 coaches as part of an ongoing project between the university, China Scholarship Council (SCS), Federation of Universities Sport China (FUSC) and the British council.

The coaches are currently gaining various football coaching qualifications through both the FAW Trust and the Swans, while they are also taking English language courses.

Roy Thomas, head of academy coaching, said: “It is great to welcome the 60 coaches from all across China, who are so enthusiastic and eager to learn and develop their coaching skills.

“I have seen first-hand the growth of football in China and hope this is the first of many of these kinds of programmes where we can share our knowledge and expertise as well as the Swansea City coaching philosophy with the next generation of coaches.

“It is also great to be working with Swansea University and the Football Association of Wales in delivering the programme, as we have longstanding and successful relationships with both organisations.”

Professor Gareth Stratton, deputy pro vice-chancellor at Swansea University, said: “The people of Swansea are passionate about sport and our strategy at Sport Swansea is to welcome people from around the world who share this passion.

“We are particularly delighted to welcome 60 talented football coaches from our friends in China to Swansea University. Our relationship with the Chinese authorities has developed over recent years and this project is another positive sporting collaboration.

“We are grateful for the support of Swansea City and the Football Association of Wales in delivering this programme.”