Swansea City to introduce updated young carers' policy ahead of 2024-25 season

Swansea City has introduced a new young carers' policy which will be implemented ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The Swans’ current carer policy does not include provisions for young carers, specifying that a carer must be 18 or over to qualify.

Acknowledging the need to recognise young carers, the club held a consultation event at the Swansea.com Stadium on March 7, which allowed open and frank discussions, and began the process to introduce the new policy ahead of the new season.

The event was hosted by the club’s disability access officer (DAO), Catherine Thomas, and head of safeguarding Rebeca Storer.

It was attended by young carers, Swansea City fans and representatives from the local YMCA, who support young carers in the community, Inclusivity, Level Playing Field, the club’s Disabled Supporters' Association and Swansea City AFC Foundation’s disability officer.

The new young carers' policy will see the minimum age of a carer reduced to 14, with the cases of young carers aged eight to 13 being assessed on individual merit and circumstance.

Swansea City is also pleased to announce it will recognise the Young Carers ID (YCID) card as a formal proof of young carer status.

Full details of the policy will be released ahead of the new season. Young carers who wish to purchase a 2024-25 season ticket should contact support@swanseacity.com for more information.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce this policy for the 2024-25 season," said club DAO Catherine Thomas.

“We want to recognise the amazing work of the young carers in our community and ensure they are supported when looking to attend Swansea City matches at the stadium.

“We want to thank everyone who attended the event and who challenged the policy, and we’re looking forward to refining this policy over the coming months.”