Central Coast Mariners in conjunction with Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) have awarded six members of the Mariners Academy with football scholarships for the next 12 months.
Central Coast Mariners in conjunction with Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) have awarded six members of the Mariners Academy with football scholarships for the next 12 months.
Jacob Wesson, Preston Daniel, Jack Ragen, Samuel Matthews, Joanna Thornley, and Rochelle Davis have each been rewarded for their skill, passion and commitment shown throughout their football careers thus far.
Indeed, the Central Coast locals will now have the opportunity to further enhance their playing prospects via the comprehensive range of benefits included in each scholarship.
Central Coast Mariners General Manager – Football, Lawrie McKinna, said the club, in association with CCAS, Bluetongue Stadium and other valued supporting partners are proud to assist the development of male and female footballers from the local area.
“The players who have been granted a 2012/13 football scholarship are extremely worthy recipients, and we hope that the benefits included help take their game to a new level,” McKinna said.
“The Central Coast Mariners Academy is a fundamental part of our club-s strategy both now and in the future, so we are obviously pleased to be able to assist these ambitious footballers fulfil their potential.”
With 40 applications received for the football scholarships, the process of selecting the six recipients was a difficult one.
As recipients of the scholarships Wesson, Daniel, Ragen, Matthews, Thornley, and Davis will each receive:
• A 12 month membership to Mingara One Fitness and Aquatic Centre including gym and pool access along with an initial consultation with a Mingara One qualified trainer;
• Recognition and promotion as a CCAS football scholarship athlete through media channels including (but not limited to) 101.3 SEA FM, 107.7 2GO, NBN Television, Central Coast Express Advocate. Additionally, access to each of these media partners for media skills and development training;
• A professional photo shoot and video interview/feature with an option to have a professional sporting resume produced for use in raising their profile, attracting sponsors and supporters;
• A full, co-branded CCAS and Central Coast Mariners kit including shorts, training shirt, singlet, hoodie, backpack, Gatorade drink bottle and hydration powder;
• One full screen assessment and one injury treatment (if required) at Hills Street Sports Medicine Centre. Plus access to a VIP discount for any additional injury treatments or other relevant services that may be required;
• Access to sports science testing equipment and technologies for high performance training;
• Access to attend educational seminars, presentations and special events through the CCAS;
• 20 per cent off all purchases through the CCAS online store using a unique discount code;
• Access to the CCAS online sports locker system for streamlined communication opportunities with coaches and ease of access to additional information and resources from CCAS and the Central Coast Mariners;
• Personalised education and personal development sessions with Walk On Sports Business Consulting. Athlete specific education and personal development topics will be identified and agreed between the athlete and Walk On Sports Consulting; And;
• One complimentary initial chiropractic treatment at Chavez Chiropractic if required. Plus 50 per cent off all additional treatments over and above the complimentary allocation if required.
About the recipients:
Jacob Wesson – A Southern Ettalong United junior, Jacob Wesson has played representative football for the Central Coast from Under 11s, and this season is the goalkeeper for the Grade 16 Mariners Academy team.
Preston Daniel – Like Wesson, Preston Daniel currently represents the Central Coast Mariners U16 Academy side. Daniel played his junior football on the mid-north coast before moving to the region to play for the Mariners.
Jack Ragen – Jack Ragen plays for the Mariners Academy Grade 18 Boys team. He has previously played for Central Coast in under 11s, 12s, 14s, and 15s, and Metro Far North teams from the Grade 11 to Grade 16 Boys.
Sam Matthews – The usual captain of the Central Coast Mariners Academy Grade 18 Boys team, Sam Matthews played his junior football for Kariong and Gosford. He made the Central Coast under 16s before advancing to the 18s outfit.
Rochelle Davis – Rochelle Davis is the goalkeeper of the Central Coast Mariners Senior Womens team. She began playing her football at age five, and has stood between the sticks since she was just eight years old. Davis has played representative football with Central Coast since she was 10.
Joanna Thornley – Like Davis, Joanna Thornley plays for the Central Coast Mariners Senior Womens side. She has played representative football for both Central Coast and Interlions, but returned to Central Coast for season 2012 for the chance to be part of the Central Coast Mariners Academy.
