The Central Coast Mariners have locked in their Football structure for the upcoming season with the appointment of Ken Schembri as Head of Football and Peter Zois as A-League Goalkeeping Coach.
Zois has joined the Club and has begun to work with the team this week after completion of a mandatory quarantine period having relocated from Victoria.
Following his playing career which included time both in Australia and abroad, Zois has worked with Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and a number of NPL Victoria teams.
Pre-season training is well underway for the Mariners, and details about pre-season matches accessible to Members and fans will be released as appropriate.
Schembri will lead all Football departments including NPL Men’s, Women’s, SAP and A-League and will work closely with Head Coach Alen Stajcic and his staff on all matters relating to the football department.
Schembri’s appointment marks the first occasion that the Club has had a locally based Sporting Director/Head of Football, and Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp stressed the importance of that aspect.
“These are exciting appointments by the club which have been a long time coming, and the fact that we are able to promote someone from within the club into the Head of Football role says a lot about the growth within our Club and the direction that we are heading,” Mielekamp said.
“Ken has done an outstanding job in his role as Academy Director, starting from scratch in building a successful, competitive youth development program, made clear by the presence of Academy players in our A-League team, and it continues the trend of the Club putting faith in our own.”
“It’s important that these appointments reflect what our Club stands for and that they are done our way; with a focus on our core principles of giving youth a chance and being the little club that can, a Club that won’t back down from a challenge.”
“It is great to welcome Peter aboard too, and now that he has completed his quarantine period, he can get to work with the team ahead of the December 27 start date.”
“The next six weeks leading into the season will be vital for the Club with trial matches, some new signings and an exciting playing strip to be unveiled before we reach Christmas.”
“There’s plenty of work ahead now for all the team to ensure that everything possible is in place for a successful season.”
Football Department |
Head of Football: Ken Schembri
Head Coach A-League: Alen Stajcic
Assistant Coach A-League: Nahuel Arrarte
Goalkeeping Coach A-League: Peter Zois
Strength & Conditioning Coach A-League: Luca Tonetti
Head Physiotherapist A-League: Dave McGinness
Head of Male Football: Nick Montgomery
Head of Female Football: Dan Barrett
Head of Skill Acquisition: Mike Cooper
