The Central Coast Mariners’ long-term playing stocks have been further boosted by confirmation that exciting youngster David D’Apuzzo has extended his stay on the Central Coast for a further season after signing on for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign.
The Central Coast Mariners- long-term playing stocks have been further boosted by confirmation that exciting youngster David D-Apuzzo has extended his stay on the Central Coast for a further season after signing on for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign.
D-Apuzzo was offered his first Hyundai A-League contract by the Mariners on the eve of the current season after impressing for the yellow and navy in a series of trial matches.
Since then, the 20-year-old has impressed at every turn – contributing eight competitive appearances in Mariners colours, six of which have been made in the Hyundai A-League.
Furthermore, the former Australian youth international scored the Mariners- historic first ever goal in the National Youth League in the most recent of his three caps in Australia-s new elite competition for young players.
“We-re delighted to have extended David-s stay at the Mariners for at least a further season, we-ve been most impressed by his contribution to our Hyundai A-League campaign to date and we-re sure that he has much more to offer our club and football in Australia,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“David-s re-signing is another significant show of intent in regards to the direction of our club in the medium to long-term, that being another tremendously exciting young player signing on for what will be a landmark period for the Mariners.
“We have the 2009 AFC Champions League to look forward to in addition to the challenges offered by the expansion of the Hyundai A-League, not to mention the second half of our current Hyundai A-League season where we have strong ambitions to surpass the standards that we set in 2007/08.”
Prior to joining the Mariners, D-Apuzzo had been a regular in what is commonly regarded as Australia-s premier second-tier football competition, the NSW Premier League, despite his tender years.
Starting at Blacktown City in 2005 and followed by seasons at Sydney Olympic and then APIA Leichhardt, D-Apuzzo has also registered three appearances in the world-s most prestigious tournament at Under 17 level – the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
While with the Qantas Joeys in Peru in 2005, D-Apuzzo started each of Australia-s three group matches in Lima and Chiclayo, including their breakthrough win over South American rivals Uruguay.
“I-ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Mariners to date and it-s great to have signed on for another season in the Hyundai A-League with a fantastic club that is represented by a top group of players and coaching staff,” said D-Apuzzo.
“My first few months at the Mariners have been very enjoyable and it-s exciting to think of what lies ahead in terms of the business end of the current season and then an AFC Champions League campaign and I hope to play as significant role as I can in both competitions.”
The Mariners will resume their Hyundai A-League 2008/09 campaign at their Bluetongue Stadium home on Saturday, 15 November, when they host AFC Champions League finalists Adelaide United. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Prior to the main game, the Mariners- National Youth League 2008/09 campaign will continue with a fixture against Adelaide United. Kick off is at 4.45pm, gates open at 4.30pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
