A new football centre of excellence and community facility is set to be developed at Landore playing fields in Swansea after the local authority backed the scheme.

Swansea Council has agreed to release the entire Landore site to Swansea City Football Club (SCFC) to establish the centre, which is to include pitches, changing areas and spectator facilities. Councillors have also agreed to assist Landore Cricket Club in its relocation from the site to a venue that meets South Wales Cricket Association standards. SCFC will help provide funding.

Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: "It's important the Swans have first-class training facilities if they're to maintain their position and push for a place in the world-famous Premier League. "But we're also committed to grass root sports in the city and this is why we're doing all we can alongside the Swans to help Landore Cricket Club move to a new location that's suitable by South Wales Cricket Association standards."

SCFC director Gwilym Joseph added: "This new facility will greatly increase the opportunities for the city's children to receive first class tuition in football skills and will help generate more home-grown footballers." In addition to the Landore football centre project, SCFC also aims to secure land near its Liberty Stadium home to develop a new indoor arena, as part of efforts to secure academy status.