Mariners Foxtel National Youth League coach Patrick Zwaanswijk says he’s pleased with his side’s progress ahead of their opening match of the NYL 2013/14 season.
Central Coast Mariners Foxtel National Youth League (NYL) Head Coach Patrick Zwaanswijk says he-s pleased with his side-s progress ahead of the junior Mariners- opening match of the NYL 2013/14 season against Adelaide United Youth in Tuggerah this Sunday.
Central Coast supporters will notice many changes to the Mariners- Foxtel NYL side that took to the pitch last season, with a host of local young guns set to appear for the yellow and navy this campaign.
“There are a lot of new players and new faces that have come in compared to last season,” Zwaanswijk said. “All of the boys are doing well, but it-s going to take some time to get the best out of them. They give every training session 100 per cent and I couldn-t be happier with how they-re going at the moment.”
“We trained really well this week and everyone is fit. Everyone should understand their roles and responsibilities. There are a lot of players for me to choose from, so hopefully I can put out a really strong team and we get our first win in the NYL.”
Zwaanswijk says there a few players that Mariners fans ought to keep a close eye on this campaign.
“Jesse Curran is a 17-year-old who came from Blacktown City, he is doing well for us and he-s been working with the first team at times with Joshua Bingham. There are a lot of local players in the side with the likes of Nathan Verity, Liam O-Dell and young Daniel McFarlane,” he said.
The former Dutch defender admits his main focus is to develop young local players into Hyundai A-League professionals in season six of Australia-s premier youth competition.
“My goal is to develop the players to a higher level. The higher the level, the closer they will go to making the (Hyundai) A-League. In the end, it-s up to them how far they can go. I want to find one or two players this season and see them sign a first team contract with the Mariners,” he said.
“I want to win the league, that is my personal mentality and I-ve told the boys that as well. It-s not a priority of the Club for us to win it, but you always have to want to have that willingness to win every game and that-s what we-ll be doing as soon as we go out there.”
Zwaanswijk admits it will be a challenge for him having to watch the action against the junior Reds from the sideline on Sunday.
“It-s going to be a lot different sitting on the bench. I am a part of the team just as much as everyone else, but the only thing is I can-t help them on the field. As soon as the game starts it-s up to them,” he concluded.
Central Coast Mariners Youth vs. Adelaide United Youth – Foxtel National Youth League Round 1
Sunday 27 October, 2013
Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence, Tuggerah
Kick-off: 10:30am
Admission: Free
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