Swansea City sell stake in women's team

Swansea City have sold a stake in their women's team saying it provides "significant immediate investment" into the team that plays in Welsh football's top domestic tier.

The revamped organisation will be led by chairwoman Jenine Cravatt with improvements to "the fledgling player pathway programme" among the priorities for the Genero Adran Premier side.

Swansea City Women became semi-professional in 2023 and the club said: "The sale brings valuable direct investment into the team, and will help to further develop and professionalise the set-up in the short, medium and long term.

"Part of that goal is to strengthen the fledgling player pathway programme we are seeking to build, with the aim of providing a clear academy structure for aspiring young footballers in Swansea and across south Wales."

The development sees the team "transferred to a new limited company" with the aim of earning "further external investment from individuals who are passionate about developing the women's game".

Cravatt said: "My hope is that every girl in Swansea and across Wales sees Swansea City Women as a club where she belongs, where she can dream without limits, and where she believes anything is possible."

Chloe Bull, the club's head of women's and girls' football, said: "This direct investment into our set-up is greatly welcomed, and I know our new investors have an exciting vision for the future of Swansea City Women.

"Following a campaign where we made positive strides last season, we are keen to kick on and be firmly in the mix for silverware."

Swansea City chief executive Tom Gorringe said: "We have made important strides in the development of Swansea City Women in recent years, but it is no exaggeration to say this may be the most significant milestone in the club's history.

"The energy and ambition of the new investment group, led by Jenine, and the investment secured by the sale of a minority stake in the club opens up a number of strategic sporting and business possibilities that can only benefit women's and girls' football in Swansea and the surrounding areas."