Swansea City Academy

Swansea City FC runs a category 2 academy based in South West Wales. They have a strong youth development program that nurtures young talent.

Swansea City has launched its new Pre-Academy Regional Centre Programme, providing talented young footballers across south Wales with the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional environment.

This initiative, for boys aged six to eight, will see the opening of four regional centres, strategically located in Swansea, Carmarthen, Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), and Cardiff.

Academy Competitions

Each season, the Academy competes across the standard slate of competitions for Category Two clubs:

• U17 Professional Development League Cup – an English youth football tournament for players aged 17 and under.
• U18 Professional Development League – a leading English youth competition for Category Two academies, comprising 20 teams split into North and South regional divisions, combining league competition with a national play-off system.
• U18 Professional Development League Cup – established for the 2021/22 season, featuring 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with group winners advancing to the knockout stages.
• FA Youth Cup – the traditional nationwide knockout competition open to academy sides across English football.
• Professional Development League 2 – England’s main Under-21 youth competition for Category Two academies, sitting just below Premier League 2. It is split into regional North and South divisions, with play-offs determining the national champion.
• U21 Premier League Cup – introduced in the 2013/14 season to add a knockout tournament alongside the regular Professional Development Phase league schedule, featuring nine groups with the top team in each group plus the seven best runners-up advancing to the knockout stage.
• Nathaniel MG Cup – the Welsh League Cup, organised by the Football Association of Wales and regarded as the second most prestigious domestic cup in Welsh football after the Welsh Cup; Swansea City’s Under-21s participate.

2025/26 Season

A proud 2024/25 season for the Swansea City Academy saw the Under-17s finish as U17 Professional Development League Cup finalists.

More than a third of the players regularly chosen for the Wales senior squad over the past two seasons have come through the Swans pathway, highlighting the tireless work of academy staff, both past and present.

The Academy enters the 2025/26 season under Under-21 Head Coach Anthony Wright and Under-18 Head Coach Jon Beale.

Full details of players retained, released, or returned from loan following the 2024/25 season can be found on the club’s official retained list.

Scholars 2025/26

Cameron Barry, Matt Blake, Joe Lewis, Tom Price, Alex Lang, Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper, Oliver Cooper, Jack Fox, Finlay Hazel and Rhydian Williams.

Academy Players on Loan 2025/26

• Kit Margetson (Goalkeeper) – Connah’s Quay Nomads FC
• Jack Fanning (Defender) – Briton Ferry Llansawel
• Ben Llyod (Midfielder) – Newport County
• Jacob Cook (Midfielder) – Connah’s Quay Nomads FC
• Cameron Congreve (Midfielder) – Dundee
• Kyrell Wilson (Forward) – Falkirk
• Evan Watts (Goalkeeper) – Galway United
• Aimar Govea (Forward) – Girona B
• Joel Cotteril (Midfielder) – Bristol Rovers; Dundee
• Filip Lissah (Defender) – Falkirk
• Mitchell Bates (Midfielder) – Briton Ferry Llansawel
• Harlan Perry (Midfielder) – Cardiff Met
• Brogan Popham (Defender) – Cardiff Met
• Sebastian Dabrowski (Defender) – Chippenham Town
• Josh Thomas (Forward) – Derry City
• Arthur Parker (Defender) – Galway United

Academy Players in the First Team 2025/26

Cameron Congreve (Midfielder, #45), Sam Parker (Defender, #41).

International Players 2025/26

• Bobby Lewis (Midfielder) – Wales U16
• Alffi Hughes (Midfielder) – Wales U16
• Alex Godfrey (Midfielder) – Wales U17
• Carter Heywood (Defender) – Wales U17
• Alfie Jones (Midfielder) – Wales U17
• Lestyn Jones (Defender) – Wales U19
• Harlan Perry (Midfielder) – Wales U19
• Evan Watts (Goalkeeper) – Wales U21
• Kit Margetson (Goalkeeper) – Wales U21
• Joel Cotteril (Midfielder) – Wales U21
• Ben Llyod (Midfielder) – Wales U21
• Sam Parker (Defender) – Wales U21
• Filip Lissah (Defender) – Czech Republic U21

2025/26 Tournament Groupings

In the U17 Professional Development League Cup, Swansea’s Under-17s were drawn in Group H against Under-17 sides from Reading, West Brom and Wolves.

In the U18 Professional Development League Cup, the Under-18s were drawn in Group B against Cardiff City, Swindon Town and Wrexham, with fixtures scheduled for 26 August, 4 October and 22 November 2025, before progressing to the quarter-final against Doncaster Rovers.

For the FA Youth Cup, the Under-18s were drawn away against Hull City in the third round proper, away against Leeds United in the fourth round proper, and at home against Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round.

In the U21 Premier League Cup, Swansea City’s Under-21s were drawn in Group G against Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Wolves, before being drawn against Blackpool in the round of 16.

Also in the Nathaniel MG Cup, the Under-21s were drawn away against Carmarthen Town in the first round, away against Afan Lido FC in the second round, and away against Haverfordwest County in the third round.

Season Timeline

May 2025

• Defender Jack Fanning was offered a new contract, while scholars Callum Deacon, Josh Pescatore, Ramon Rees-Siso, and Thomas Searle were all offered professional contracts.

June 2025

• Scottish centre-back Blair McKenzie signed with Swansea City’s academy, subject to international clearance.
• Swansea City’s Under-21s were confirmed to compete once again in the Nathaniel MG Cup for the 2025/26 season.
• Goalkeeper Ben Hughes joined Cambridge United on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance.
• Jack Fanning signed a contract extension with Swansea City, committing his future to the club until at least June 2026.

July 2025

• Caleb Demery said he was grateful for the chance to re-join his boyhood club after completing a move to Swansea City from Briton Ferry Llansawel; the 19-year-old centre-forward signed a one-year deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
• Swansea City midfielder Ramon Rees-Siso signed his first professional contract with the club; the 18-year-old agreed a deal that runs until at least the end of June 2027, with the option to extend for a further year.
• 18-year-old Callum Deacon signed a contract running until June 2026, with the option to extend for a further year until 2027.
• Swansea City’s Under-21s were drawn to face Afan Lido in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, following their first-round tie against Carmarthen Town.
• Under-21s striker Morgan Bates signed a contract extension keeping him at Swansea City until at least June 2027.

August 2025

• Swansea City’s Under-21s progressed to the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, following their tie away at Afan Lido.
• Swansea City’s Under-21s were set to host Haverfordwest County AFC in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, with the tie scheduled for Wednesday, September 10.
• Academy midfielder Jacob Cook signed an extension to his contract and joined Connah’s Quay on a season-long loan.

September 2025

• More than a third of the players regularly chosen for the Wales senior squad over the past two seasons have come through the Swans pathway, highlighting the tireless work of academy staff, both past and present.

December 2025

• Jon Beale was appointed as Swansea City’s new Under-18s head coach, succeeding Joe Roberts, who had been leading the side on an interim basis.
• Swansea City’s Under-18s booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, following their tie against Hull City; they were set to face Leeds United in the next round.

January 2026

• Under-21 centre-back Jack Fanning extended his loan spell at Briton Ferry Llansawel through to June 2026; the club also activated the option in his contract, keeping him at the club until 30 June 2027.
• Swansea City’s Under-18s advanced to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, following their tie away to Leeds United’s Under-18s.
• Jon Grey was appointed Swansea City’s loans and player pathway manager, a role he will combine with his work as Wales Under-18s men’s coach, overseeing player development and monitoring those out on loan.
• Swansea City’s Under-18s booked their place in the semi-finals of the Professional Development League Cup, following their tie against Doncaster Rovers at the Joma High Performance Centre.

February 2026

• Defender Zac Jeanes departed Swansea City following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
• Swansea City’s Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup journey came to an end in the fifth round, following their tie at home to Blackburn Rovers’ Under-18s.
• Midfielder Yori Griffith signed a new contract with Swansea City, extending his stay until June 2029; the 19-year-old has been with the club since Under-10 level.

March 2026

• Thomas Woodward signed a new contract with Swansea City that will keep him at the club until June 2029.
• Iestyn Jones signed a new two-year deal with Swansea City, keeping him at the club until June 2028; the 18-year-old defender has been with the Swans since Under-9 level.

May 2026

• Harlan Perry put pen to paper on his maiden professional deal at Swansea City, with the 18-year-old agreeing terms through to June 2028.
• Jacob Cook agreed a new long-term contract with Swansea City, keeping the Under-21s midfielder at his hometown club until the end of June 2029; the 19-year-old’s previous deal had been due to run until 2027.

2024/25 Season

Based in South West Wales, Swansea City FC ran a Category Two academy.

Scholars 2024/25

Billy Clarke, Isaac Dudding, Caio Ifans, Callum Jones, Harlan Perry, Ben Phillips, Brogan Popham and Milo Robinson.

Academy Players on Loan 2024/25

• Joel Cotterill (Midfielder) – Swindon Town
• Cameron Congreve (Midfielder) – Bromley
• Josh Thomas (Midfielder) – Bromley
• Liam Smith (Forward) – Partick Thistle
• Harry Jones (Defender) – Weymouth
• Mitchell Bates (Midfielder) – Truro City
• Ben Hughes (Goalkeeper) – Caernarfon Town
• Kyrell Wilson (Forward) – Yeovil Town
• Maliq Cadogan (Forward) – Kidderminster

Academy Graduates in the First Team 2024/25

Ben Lloyd (Midfielder, #36), Arthur Parker (Defender, #46), Azeem Abdulai (Midfielder, #47).

International Players 2024/25

• Alfie Jones (Midfielder) – Wales U16
• Alex Godfrey (Midfielder) – Wales U16
• Carter Heywood (Defender) – Wales U16, U17
• Milo Robinson (Midfielder) – Wales U17
• Isaac Dudding (Goalkeeper) – Wales U17
• Kai Rhodes (Forward) – Wales U17
• Kaven Bloniarczyk (Midfielder) – Wales U17
• Callum Jones (Midfielder) – Wales U17
• Harlan Perry (Midfielder) – Wales U18
• Lestyn Jones (Defender) – Wales U18; U19
• Brogan Popham (Defender) – Wales U18
• Kit Margetson (Goalkeeper) – Wales U19
• Jacob Cook (Midfielder) – Wales U19
• Thomas Woodward (Midfielder) – Wales U19
• Ben Phillips (Midfielder) – Wales U18; U19
• Sam Parker (Defender) – Wales U19; First Team Camp
• Dan Watts (Midfielder) – Wales U21
• Evan Watts (Goalkeeper) – Wales U21
• Joel Cotterill (Midfielder) – Wales U21; First Team Camp
• Cameron Congreve (Midfielder) – Wales U21
• Josh Thomas (Forward) – Wales U21
• Ben Lloyd (Midfielder) – Wales U21
• Sebastian Dabrowski (Defender) – Wales U21
• Glory Nzingo (Midfielder) – Ireland U21
• Maliq Cadogan (Forward) – Guyana First Team

2024/25 Tournament Groupings

In the U17 Professional Development League Cup, Swansea’s Under-17s progressed through the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals to the final against Luton Town.

For the U18 Professional Development League Cup, the Under-18s were drawn in Group G against Cheltenham, Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle.

In the U21 Premier League Cup, Swansea City’s Under-21s were drawn in Group C against Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Fleetwood Town.

Season Timeline

November 2024

• In the third round of the FA Youth Cup, Swansea City were drawn at home to Southampton.

December 2024

• The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end for Swansea City after a third-round tie at home to Southampton.

January 2025

• Midfielder Jacob Cook signed his first professional contract with his hometown club.
• Attacking midfielder Thomas Woodward signed his first professional contract with Swansea City.
• Midfielder Liam Smith was recalled from his loan spell at Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle; he also mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Swansea City.

March 2025

• Swansea City’s Under-17s reached the Professional Development League Cup final, following their semi-final tie against Cheltenham Town.
• As part of EFL Youth Development Week, celebrated across all 72 League clubs, Swansea City highlighted its strong track record of developing academy players.
• This season, Swansea City Academy graduates have logged 7,687 league minutes, following 147 First Team Championship appearances in the previous season.
• Coach Anthony Wright discussed how the Swansea City academy places focus on who comes through next.

April 2025

• Swansea City’s Under-17s were set to play Luton Town in the Professional Development League Cup final at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday, May 4th.
• At Swansea City’s End of Season Awards, Carter Heywood, Harlan Perry, and Arthur Parker were named Players of the Year for the Under-16s, Under-18s, and Under-21s, respectively.

May 2025

• Youngsters Sam Parker and Joel Cotterill were named in the 29-man Wales national team squad by Dragons manager Craig Bellamy.

Released Academy Players (end of 2024/25)

Ben Hughes (joined Cambridge United), Osian Williams, Richard Faakye, Maliq Cadogan.