Central Coast Mariners have signed 16-year-old Subway Joeys goalkeeper Jai Ajanovic on a three-year scholarship contract.
Ajanovic joins the Mariners’ senior squad ahead of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, having recently starred in Australia’s 2024 ASEAN Under-16 Boys Championship triumph.
At the tournament In June-July, Ajanovic relished a starting role for Australia and stopped two penalties in a shootout against Thailand in the final.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO UNITE ROUND
A strong performer in the Mariners academy, Ajanovic is a promising young talent who could hardly contain his excitement when putting pen to paper on a scholarship contract with the two-time reigning champions.
“Receiving a scholarship contract at the Mariners means so much to me. Joining the club at the beginning of the year in the academy, I have had an incredible time so far and I can’t wait for it to continue,” Ajanovic said.
“I’ve already had some training sessions with the first team which has taught me so much, there is no better place for me to continue to grow as a footballer and goalkeeper than at the Mariners.”
‘PURE BRILLIANCE’: Mariners young gun helps preserve top-flight status
Central Coast head coach Mark Jackson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that we have signed Jai on a scholarship deal. He is a great prospect for the club and for the nation as a goalkeeper.
“With Jai signing a scholarship deal, four of the best young Australian goalkeepers are here on the Coast with a lot of potential. He has already had exposure to the A-League squad throughout the year so far, and this will continue to occur throughout his development.”
