The Mariners have long had a tradition of giving the best young players the opportunity to play in the A-League and they are proud to announce 18-year-old Jacob Farrell as the next Academy player to be given a full professional contract with our Club.
This comes following a highly successful season for him in the Academy last year and the current elongated pre-season.
Farrell primarily plays as a left back and loves to get forward and join in the attack, providing opportunities in front of goal for both himself and his team-mates. Playing his junior football at Wyoming FC, Jacob understands what it means to be a Coastie and having played in the Academy for six years, will be looking to make the next step in his professional career.
“This is such a great opportunity that the club has given me in moving from the Academy to the First Team on a full-time contract. It all happened so quickly, and I am so thankful to be surrounded by a great bunch of senior boys who can mentor me, and I think we can achieve good things this year.”
“Monty [Nick Montgomery] has spoken to me on many occasions about what he expects of me this season and I strive to fulfill his expectations of my role in the team” Farrell said.
“I want to prove that I deserve to be here and to challenge for a spot in the starting eleven on a regular basis.”
Speaking of the potential of Farrell and the Academy, Mariners Head of Football Ken Schembri was delighted with Farrell’s progress so far.
“Watching his journey within our Academy has been a delight to watch. His growth in confidence and ability is not only a testament to his character but to what we are trying to build here at the Mariners. Giving youth a chance.”
Someone who knows what he has in his locker is his former Academy coach Nick Montgomery who was delighted to welcome Farrell into the squad full time.
“I’ve worked with Jacob previously and he is honest, hard-working, and always takes on board the instructions that we give him. He puts his head down and gives everything in every session and that’s all you can ask for as a coach.”
“He has a great engine on him, and we believe he has the potential to go a long way. He has shown in pre-season that he can challenge for that left back position and I am keen to see it unfold throughout the season” Montgomery said.
Jacob Farrell will be eligible for the FFA Cup tie in Mudgee on the 13th of November and that could present the perfect opportunity for his debut for the club.
