There was a time when Swans midfielder Joe Allen feared his dream of making the grade as a professional football would end in tears.

Having been at the club since the tender age of nine, the future of the club's youth structure was in jeopardy as the Swans went through difficult financial times and it took a last gasp victory over HullCity at the Vetch to save their Football League status.

Swansea survived and Allen's dream turned to reality when he signed a three-year professional contract this season at just 17 years of age.

And having gone on to make his Football League debut, pick up the man-of-the-match award against Premiership Reading in the Carling Cup and play a staring role for the Welsh Under-21 team, the Pembrokeshire product had no hesitation in parting with some of his hard-earned wages to sign up for the 1912 Foundation.

"I'm a product of the club's youth policy myself, so I felt it was important to give something back,'' explained Allen.

"The club's youth set-up has served me well and I would love other youngsters to experience the same thing.

"Since we stayed up against Hull, I've seen the club's youth set-up improve year on year, from the facilities to the organisation.

"The 1912 Foundation will only help the club keep improving those facilities and hopefully we can join the Academy structure in the not too distant future.

"With the club aiming for the Championship it's a vital step, so I would urge everyone to sign up and help develop tomorrow's stars today.''