Foundation Central Coast Mariners player and fan favourite Adam Kwasnik says he’s delighted to be continuing his career with the Club in a community capacity after it was confirmed last Friday that he has had to retire from professional football due to ongoing injury.
Foundation Central Coast Mariners player and fan favourite Adam Kwasnik says he-s delighted to be continuing his career with the Club in a community capacity after it was confirmed last Friday that he has had to retire from professional football due to ongoing injury.
The former Chengdu Blades loanee, 30, has struggled to reach top physical condition over the past two years, and made the decision to retire from professional action following consultation with Club management and the opportunity to transition into a community leadership position with the yellow and navy.
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Phil Moss made the announcement at Friday-s 2014 Mariners Medal Dinner at Kooindah Waters, Wyong, explaining that the two time Hyundai A-League Premiership winner will now play a key role in the delivery of the Club-s community football strategy.
Indeed, from next week Kwasnik will take up the position of Community Football Coordinator at the Club and will be responsible for the delivery of Mariners football programs in schools, local clubs, workplaces, and at other community events.
“Obviously it-s disappointing to finish my playing career due to injury,” Kwasnik said. “I haven-t played too many games in the past two years, and while I have tried hard to get back on the park I can feel that my knee is not 100 per cent. I made it back to National Youth League level last season but I don-t think my body would be able to contend with the rigours of Hyundai A-League action again.”
“My plan is to keep in touch with the boys as much as I can and with my new role I have the opportunity to preach the Mariners culture around the local community and to local clubs. There-s been some great players I have met and mates that I have made down the years at the Mariners, and certainly playing in Gosford in front of family, friends and fans is something I will miss.”
Kwasnik, who began his professional playing days with Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League, said his fondest memories with the Club came in 2008 and 2013, and added that he hopes to be able to inspire local kids to want to be a part of the Mariners in his new role.
“There are two main memories that stick out for me as a player with the Mariners,” he explained. “The first one is the semi-final against Newcastle in season three. We turned a 2-0 first leg deficit around and won 3-0 at Bluetongue in the second leg to qualify for the Grand Final. And then there was the 2013 Grand Final win. Unfortunately I didn-t play, but the triumph was a long time coming and it was an amazing season by everyone involved. To finally win a Grand Final after four attempts was an amazing feeling and nothing less than the Club deserved.”
“My community coaching role will be all about going around to the local clubs, schools, and preaching the Mariners culture and the Mariners way. I am looking forward to helping kids enjoy the game, be passionate about the Club and be active. It-s a big role and I am looking forward to it,” he concluded.
Central Coast Mariners boss Moss said keeping Kwasnik involved with the Club was a simple decision.
“Adam is a household name on the Central Coast through his exploits with the Mariners and I believe an important building block in in growing a Club-s history, tradition and culture is finding a role for ex-players like him,” Moss said.
“He-s a popular figure among the players and staff and I know he has been studying the game with a coaching mentality for some time now. Adam is transitioning into a crucial role for the Club and I am looking forward to watching the next phase of his career develop.”
