The Central Coast Mariners are proud to announce that exciting youth team prospects; Adam Berry and Jake Adelson have signed one-year Hyundai A-League contracts for the 2016/17 season.
Both Berry (19) and Adelson (20) joined the Central Coast Mariners in the lead up to the 2015/16 season as Foxtel National Youth League players and have trained full time with the first team for the past 12 months.
Before joining the Mariners, Berry plied his trade in the UK with Leeds United. Berry, who plays mostly as a central midfielder, also represented Australia at youth level in 2015 and is currently playing for the Mariners Academy.
The 19-year old made his Hyundai A-League debut in round 20 against Melbourne City and looks forward to building on that next season.
“I’m delighted, I’ve enjoyed my year here at the club so far and I look forward to trying to push into the first team,” Berry said. “I want to make more appearances next season, make more of an impact and hopefully push the other boys.
“I grew up playing at Blacktown City then spent two years at Leeds United and had a great time but now I want to do well here and be successful as a team,” Berry said.
Although he’s not a born ‘Coastie’, Berry has experienced some special memories on the Central Coast.
“I made my debut for the Young Socceroos at Central Coast Stadium against USA last year which was great. I love the Central Coast Mariners, I always travelled up to watch them play with my dad watching players like Tommy Pondeljak, Mile Jedinak and John Hutchinson so it’s special to be a part of it now,” Berry said.
Adelson made his Hyundai A-League debut in round seven against Melbourne Victory but tragically ruptured his anterior crucial ligament in round 10 against Perth Glory, which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
On the road to recovery, the former Everton youth team player has grown from strength-to-strength to sign his first professional contract with the Yellow & Navy.
“I’m excited to join such a great club, since being injured they have done nothing but look after me and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and repay that faith,” Adelson said.
“I travelled overseas to join Everton on a three-year deal when I was 16. It was an incredible experience, playing every week and training everyday.
“I want to show the coaches and the fans what I can do and hopefully impress the gaffer enough to extend my contract,” Adelson said.
Head Coach Tony Walmsley re-affirmed the club’s commitment to youth with his two newest signings.
“Whilst we are adding experience to the squad our focus on youth must be maintained,” Walmsley said. “Adam Berry has shown a fantastic mentality and earns this opportunity through continuous improvement which comes from absolute dedication.
“He’s a joy to work with and will be a key addition to our midfield options.
“Jake Adelson has outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to him pushing our more seasoned full backs and wide players this season. He has a bubbly character and we are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch next season,” Walmsley said.
Berry and Adelson will report for Hyundai A-League pre-season training in mid-June.
