Swans legend Alan Curtis knows exactly how important it is for Swansea City Football Club to have a strong junior and youth set-up.

So much so, the former Wales and Swans striker was one of the first people to dig deep into his own pocket to sign up for the club's 1912 Foundation.

While Curtis is currently part of Roberto Martinez's first team coaching staff, one of Swansea's favourite sons has also experienced life at the other end.

During his long association with the club, Curtis has not only been caretaker manager for the first team, but also run the club's Football in the Community Department and Youth team boss at the Vetch Field.

"The foundation of any football club is its youth department,'' explained Curtis. "That's why I felt the need to sign up for the 1912.

"I believe the club is at the right stage of its development now to push for Academy status - or its equivalent.

"With the number of quality players this area has produced over the years it's vital we keep developing our young talent.

"True, that production line has dried up a bit over the years, but there is no reason why, with a bit of nurturing, we can't produce them again in the future.''

Reflecting on his time as Youth team manager of the Swans down at the Vetch, Curtis still finds it hard to comprehend the lack of facilities he had at his disposal to try and bring the youngsters through to the first team.

"Facilities, what were they?'' he joked. "Most of the time we couldn't find any decent grass to train on and we would end up training on Swansea beach.

"It was great when the sun was out - which wasn't often in Swansea - but most of the time it would be freezing and blowing a gale.

"I think I was the fittest out of the boys because I would have to go chasing after the balls when they blew halfway down the beach. I would be working harder than the youngsters.

"In fairness though, the surface was great, when the tide was out that is! Sometimes we would have to finish our session early because the tide was coming in.

"And if we wanted to get rid of a player, we would put him on the left wing where he would have to cross the ball in the surf. The boys who couldn't swim didn't like going out there!

"That's why they used to say some Swans players could 'walk on water'.

But on a serious note, Curtis feels the club has made huge improvements in its training facilities over the last couple of years.

The youngsters even have indoor facilities at their disposal now at Llandarcy.

"We've come a long way in a short period of time,'' added Curtis. "But there is still a long way to go.

"That's why the 1912 Foundation can only be good for the club and the future of our young players - and that's why you should sign up to.''