Swansea City appoint Mason McClelland as Under-18s head coach

Swansea City can confirm the appointment of Mason McClelland as the club's new under-18s' head coach.

McClelland's coaching career spans over 20 years and he has held a number of positions having worked as a technical director, assistant coach and in managerial roles.

His career started at Bolton Wanderers where he was heavily involved in their UK-based and international academy, before joining Fleetwood Town's Under-18s' set-up.

He then ventured abroad to the United Arab Emirates, where he would spend seven years as technical director, and then head coach of Dubai City.

In June 2024, McClelland became head coach of FC Bruno Magpies in Gibraltar. He oversaw the club's Uefa Conference League victory against Derry City, and was at the helm for their following fixture against FC Copenhagen.

McClelland hopes his wealth of experience in coaching and youth development can be of great benefit to Swansea City as he settles in to his new role in south Wales.

"Over the course of my career I have a lot of experience in youth development, then in the last six or seven years of my career I've had a lot of experience working with senior players," said McClelland.

"I've had that full range of working within academy set-ups, I understand the pathway to get players through to the under-18s, to the under-21s and then to the first team.

"I really hope my experience can help further the development of the players. I think individual development is key at this age group.

"One element I really like at Swansea is that there is a lot of movement across the age-groups, which allows players to get out of their comfort zone.

"My job is to help further the development for the under-18s, and help prepare them as a professional footballer, alongside a great group off staff, to help them on and off the pitch.

"I've met a few of the players already, and have seen some of them play up a level for the under-21s, and I was really pleased. They seem like a great bunch, and I can't wait to starting working with them fully."