Swans stars help get new project off the ground
17th February
Federico Fernandez and Jefferson Montero swapped their Swans kit for shovels to help a new social enterprise project get off the ground.
The duo visited the Down To Earth facility along with club ambassador Lee Trundle to officially break the ground on their new residential development that will help young people from disadvantaged areas.
Partnering with Valleys Kids - another Welsh social project - Down To Earth were granted over £500,000 to fund the development that will be built by participants of both organisations to help them develop crucial life skills.
"We wanted to have a look at the new centre and how it's going to be built," explained Trundle. "The nice thing is that it's local kids that are helping to build it as well so they are learning some new skills."
Swans defender Fernandez was full of praise for the determination and effort of the youngsters following a tour of the new facility.
"I've really enjoyed meeting the children and showing them support," said the centre-back. "It's going to be a very nice project for the kids."
Mark McKenna, Down to Earth co-founder and director, said: "Down To Earth is an award winning social enterprise based in Swansea.
"The new two-story residential centre is going to get built by 17 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training, so a whole range of young people will get opportunities to learn new crafts, develop confidence, improve their health and well-being."
Margaret Jervis, Valleys Kids operational director and co-founder, added: "We always had a dream. We believe they should get the best. This is what we are doing today, we are building the best.
"They were so excited to meet the Swans stars they see on television but actually to be here, get their autograph, shake their hands and get their picture taken with them has been absolutely fabulous for them."
