The Central Coast Mariners have today named its Academy squad and Head Coach that will compete in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s 2 competition, kicking off this weekend against Bankstown City FC at Pluim Park, Lisarow.
Central Coast Mariners Academy Director Ken Schembri has worked closely with Executive Vice Chairman Peter Storrie and Hyundai A-League Head Coach Tony Walmsley to handpick the next crop of Yellow & Navy stars.
This very young squad is governed by Football Federation Australia regulations, which require the squad to be all under 20 years of age except three players between age 21-23 setting our squad a formidable task in NPL 2.
Want to see the full draw? CLICK HERE for all fixture info.
Leading the Mariners Youth Academy as NPL Head Coach is Ben Cahn who has been identified by the Mariners as a highly qualified young coach with considerable potential.
Ben has relocated to the Central Coast from Football North Queensland.
Although the preliminary squad has been selected, at Hyundai A-League season’s end there is also the opportunity for players who train with Walmsley’s first team to pick up invaluable game time through the Mariners Academy and bolster Cahn’s squad.
Central Coast Mariners Academy key facts:
- Over 250 players both male and female
- Home matches to be played at Pluim Park, Lisarow thanks to Central Coast Football
- 4 Groups of players:
- 85 Players aged 9-12 will participate in FNSW accredited ‘skills acquisition program’ (SAP)
- 60 Youth Boys 13-16 playing Tier 1 Youth Football
- 60 Female competition NPL 2 commences on April 3
- 50 Men playing FNSW NPL2 age 18-20.
Academy Director Ken Schembri outlined the importance of the Mariners Academy pathway.
“This year is our first year and we are launching a high performance development program for children playing with our Club,” Schembri said.
“We have worked hard on a few key areas such as raising the standard of coaching, introducing a player welfare program and working closely with our senior staff to provide young footballers with the experience and opportunity to become professional players at CC Mariners.
“Our strategic plan has been developed to allow our Academy to improve each year in key areas of performance and facilities.
“I would take this opportunity to thank Central Coast Football for allowing our children to play all home matches at the excellent venue, Pluim Park. Good playing and training facilities are a vital part of an Academy Structure,” Schembri said.
The Central Coast Mariners would also like to thank Football NSW for re-scheduling our round 1 fixture this weekend. The match originally clashed with our Hyundai A-League fixture against Melbourne Victory but has since been moved to Saturday evening.
Central Coast Mariners Academy Men’s 1 squad: Liam O’DELL (C),Trent BUHAGIAR, Josh FORBES, Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), Christopher HURLEY, Brian JAMBA, Reece PAPADIMITRIOS, Adam PEARCE (gk), Ryan PETERSON, Daniel TUDDENHAM, Nathan VERITY, Lachlan WALES, Steve WHYTE, Connor WILKINSON, Jake ADELSON & Adam BERRY
First home match details
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs. Bankstown City Lions
Saturday 5 March Pluim Park
1st grade: 6:30pm
20s: 4:30pm
18s at 2:30pm
Youth Program (13-16 boys) commences sunday 6 march at Pluim Park v Blacktown City Fc. First game at 8:30am.
