Swansea City University Varsity Dafydd Evans
20th April
Swansea City coaches have this week been passing on football knowledge to the University men's team ahead of their Varsity clash with Cardiff Uni on Wednesday.
Dafydd Evans, who joined the academy coaching staff in October 2015, also took on the role of head coach for men's football at Swansea University as part of a three-year partnership between the club and institution.
The former Carmarthen Town player spent 15 years coaching in America, including six with DC United's Under-20 and U23 sides. Upon his return to Wales, Evans has helped the university side battle back from bottom to second in the BUCS League.
The Swansea students now head into Wednesday's Varsity clash 15 games unbeaten in all competitions.
"Since I took on the role the players have been great to work with," Evans said. "They have shown tremendous dedication and commitment, doubling their training hours and turning results around on the pitch.
"The link is set-up not only to pass on football knowledge, coaching skills and advice but also to help add a professional feel to the team.
"The partnership between Swansea City and the University is still very new but we have covered a lot of mileage already to help the lads turn results around this season. We aim to continue that progress on Wednesday."
The students have not only benefited from Evans advice, Head of Coaching David Adams this week also joined the team for a special training session.
The side, who play at Fairwood training ground, were also able to use the academy's purpose built performance analysis suite to prepare for Wednesday's fixture.
University Vice-Captain, Jordan Smith, who played for Swansea City Academy between 2009/12 before undertaking a Sports Science degree believes the link-up has helped the team develop in all areas.
"The whole squad is in great shape ahead of our Varsity game on Wednesday," he said.
"The professionalism and advice the link has brought has been brilliant. The coaching style was something that was very new to many of us a few months back but the team has thrived off it."
First team captain Tom Grey agreed, "Swansea City being involved has delivered a huge positive change.
"We are a more professional unit which has brought the best out of us on the football pitch."
Swansea University face Cardiff University in their Varsity match at Sketty Lane playing fields (12pm).
