Swans open new academy training complex facilities

Swansea City today held the official opening of the key extensions to the club's academy training complex in Landore.
The developments are vital behind the Swans working towards full Academy Category 1 status, and chairman Huw Jenkins was joined by Premier League Director of Youth Football Ged Roddy to unveil the new developments.
Those developments include a third floor which houses new classrooms, offices, parents' room and a lecture theatre with full match analysis facilities which the first team also use on match day.
Additionally, a new indoor barn has been constructed which includes a 4G astroturf pitch to ensure the club's youngsters can train in the best facilities all year around.
These developments have brought the total investment in the Academy training ground to over £8.5million.
The complex - the club's first purpose-built training ground in its 104-year history - was originally opened back in September 2013 by Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League.



"We are thoroughly enjoying the experience of top-flight football and I hope the Premier League feel we bring something different, something special, to the league on a national and global stage," said Huw.
"It has certainly helped us develop as a club off the field and this facility is testament to that. The future of our Academy is vital for the long-term future of the club. Apart from these facilities on show today, we have made a massive investment in staffing levels throughout the many age groups.
"We are determined to look after our youngsters, the vast majority of whom come from our local community, and provide them with the very best coaching and well-being advice that is available.
"Together, with the help of training facilities like this, we can take Swansea City and youth football in general to the next level. There are only exciting times ahead."



Speaking at the unveiling, Premier League Director of Youth Football Roddy praised the Swans' investment in youth facilities.
He said: "These are state-of-the-art facilities at an academy that is clearly on the up. It is building a legacy for the future.
"It really is a great story of what the club has achieved.
"The buildings are fantastic but in the end it's about how many players you get into the first team. And it looks very healthy for the future in that respect.
"This is an Academy 1 environment in every aspect. It is a great place to learn your trade.
"They also have to get a good chance of getting a proper education, and this club has led the line in that respect.
"The education results from the boys that have come through the programme have been outstanding and amongst the best in the country."
Academy manager Nigel Rees added: "We are very proud of our new facilities and I'm grateful to the board for the investment that have put into youth development.
"The facilities we now have are the perfect platform for our young players to progress into the first team.
"The barn gives us another dimension to the way we want to develop our players. It really is a top-class facility at Landore and we're all really looking forward to the future."