Swansea City Football Club launched The 1912 Foundation in an official unveiling ceremony at the Liberty Stadium.

Over 600 Swans season ticket holders gathered at the stadium to hear chairman Huw Jenkins, vice-chairman Leigh Dineen, manager Roberto Martinez and head of Youth David Moss address the importance of the exciting new initiative, plus watch exclusive video footage of the Swans in action from the Centre of Excellence through to the youth and first team.

The event saw the official launch of The 1912 Foundation - an exclusive members club with the aim of giving the fans a closer link to Swansea City while also raising valuable income to support the development of our youth, our training ground facilities and young players.

Every penny raised (after costs and prize money) will be invested in the youth and the development of our training ground facilities to help to develop the players of the future!

"I hope the supporters are as excited about this new initiative as we are at the club,'' explained Swans chairman Huw Jenkins. "We believe that first class facilities and the further development of our young players are vital to enable the club to progress to a higher level - a level we belong.

"We had a meeting with the Football League at Llandarcy Park recently to talk through our application to join the Academy system.

"Swansea City must play against the best in the country and make sure that in the future no parent can use the excuse of moving their child to another club because they have Academy football and we do not.''

It was a view shared by Swans boss Roberto Martinez, who added: "The most solid and important foundation at any football club should always be the development of your young, local talent.

"That's why it is vital we ensure that our local talent has the best coaching and facilities to allow them to develop into first team players for Swansea City.''

How does the 1912 Foundation work?

The 1912 Foundation is an exclusive members club with a limited membership of 1,912, symbolising the year our great club was formed.

For just £2.25 per week you will receive numerous exclusive benefits and a membership card bearing your exclusive 1912 Foundation draw numbers. These numbers will be entered into all of the 1912 Foundation draws, including an annual Super Jackpot draw, a weekly lottery and a number of exclusive Foundation draws that provide some exciting and truly unique experiences.

All winners are notified automatically and winning numbers will appear in the local press, matchday programme and on the club website www.swanseacity.net

It's a win-win situation, with the club generating valuable funds for the youth and training ground development, and members winning some top prizes.

Exclusive 1912 Foundation member benefits:
As a member of the 1912 Foundation you will be entitled to the following unique and exclusive benefits: -
* Membership pack consisting of official Swansea City letter of acceptance, exclusive gift and your membership card;
*  The opportunity to attend a twice yearly exclusive 1912 Foundation event;
*  Exclusive 1912 Foundation club shop discount voucher;
*  Exclusive big match ticket priority (tier 2);
*  Regular 1912 Foundation newsletters / e-zines

Amazing Swansea City experiences up for grabs!
There are some incredible prizes which will be won by members during each season;
*  'Press Pack' Experience - You can be part of the 'Press Pack' at one of Swansea City's home games! Join the press for the pre-match meal and catch up with all the latest soccer gossip, get a bird's eye view of the game from the press box, and be there in the tunnel for the all important post match interviews with the manager and all the players. If you want, you can post your match report on the official Swans website for the whole world to see, and we'll also include it in the next matchday programme!
*  Director's Experience - you and a guest spend the matchday in the company of the club's directors and enjoy the club's hospitality!
*  Ultimate Match Day Experience - Enjoy the club's hospitality in the Morfa Legends Lounge on a selected home game!
*  Training Ground Experience - Join the Swans for breakfast and watch Roberto Martinez put the players through their paces on the training ground. Then relax, sit down for lunch and a chat with the players - you'll also get the chance to get your own Swans football signed by all the squad!

1912 Foundation Prizes!
*  Weekly 10 x £10 winners
*  Quarterly winner of £1,912

1912 Foundation Partner Prizes!
*  WIN A Phillips SportsGear (DAB) Digital Audio Radio and MP3 Player. Crystal clear and up to the minute sports news and scores!
*  WIN Vouchers to spend exclusively at FarmFoods stores in Swansea;
*  WIN A picture perfect photography session with Life photography;
*  WIN A Gold card giving you and a friend free entry to Play Nightclub in the heart of Swansea's Wind Street!

And the 1912 Foundation Super Annual Jackpot of £10,000

And remember every penny raised (after costs and prize money) will be invested in the youth and the development of our training ground facilities to help to develop the players of the future . . . and all for just £2.25 per week

You can download an application form 1912 Foundation and forward it to The 1912 Foundation, Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea SA1 2FA or fax 01792 616 616.
For further information, phone 01792 616 600 or e-mail: 1912foundation@swanseacityfc.co.uk