Swarm FC visit Brentford’s Robert Rowan Performance Centre | OneFootball

Brentford recently welcomed aspiring footballers from the club’s strategic partner Swarm FC for a unique experience at the club’s training ground.

Young players with their families and coaches from Georgia, USA flew to London for sessions with club staff and a Q&A with the men’s first team.

Since 2024, Brentford has been in partnership with Swarm FC in Atlanta to establish a base in the US for the club’s player development and scouting strategy.

The aim is to build a multi-state youth football network, offering coaching education, international exchanges and pathways for top talent to potentially join Brentford and compete in the Premier League.

To nurture that pathway and inspire Swarm’s players, the club was pleased to welcome a delegation to London to experience a Premier League-standard environment.

In early April, players and coaches from Coweta County, Georgia spent their spring break in Brentford for a look behind the scenes at the men’s first team training ground, the Robert Rowan Performance Centre.

The club gave Swarm a full tour of its facilities and a rare opportunity to watch the men’s first team train ahead of their Premier League fixture against Everton.

Afterwards, first-team players Julian Eyestone, Romelle Donovan, and B-team defender Ollie Shield sat with the group for a Q&A, answering questions on rising through the ranks in football, with particular interest in the story of US-compatriot, Eyestone.

To further the young players’ understanding of the demands of being a professional footballer, Brentford staff led training sessions for Swarm and delivered an immersive ‘Life of an Academy Player' workshop. Swarm also enjoyed time on the pitch, with games organised against Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s development squad and local opposition.

The week concluded with tickets to watch Brentford take on Everton in the Premier League, with a tour of Gtech Community Stadium before kick-off. Four Swarm players also walked out on the pitch as mascots for the game.

On the visit, Simon Davey, managing director at Swarm FC, said: "Seeing our players experience an environment like Brentford’s first-hand was exceptional. The professionalism, attention to detail, and culture throughout the club gave our players a genuine insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“We’re incredibly proud of how they represented Swarm and grateful for an experience that will stay with them, both on and off the pitch.”

Jordan Tant, Swarm FC director of operations, added: “Our players and families were genuinely blown away by the humility and welcome they received from everyone at Brentford. It speaks volumes about the culture of the club. This visit was yet another real connection between our organisations, and it’s something that will stay with our players for a long time.”

Swarm’s visit to London came shortly after Brentford returned to Atlanta to attend a major youth tournament organised by Swarm.

Read the thoughts of club ambassador, Karleigh Osborne, who made the journey to grow the partnership and deliver training sessions for players and coaches.