The Central Coast Mariners have a proud history of developing some of Australia’s finest young footballers. Whether they have played in the Academy, A-League team or both, they are a part of the Mariners Family, and the club keeps a close eye on their success overseas.
With several players heading to Europe and Asia at the conclusion of our Championship winning season, check out what they are doing as well as some old fan favourites!
Mathew Ryan – AZ Alkmaar
The Socceroos captain has enjoyed a strong spell with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar since joining the team in March this year. He helped guide the side to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, while the team also finished fourth in the 2022/23 Eredivisie competition.
Ryan has so far played all nine matches of their League season to date, currently holding a remarkable 87.5{beff4755ff40470e75b8b9c8932397ca08bfcfe23430f474bc1fcde4ea7b4621} save rate. He has only conceded four goals, helping the side to second in the League, winning eight times and drawing just once.
His team sit second in their Conference League Group, winning once and losing the other. They next play host to Aston Villa in the early hours of Friday morning, before facing NEC on Monday.
Garang Kuol – FC Volendam (loan from Newcastle United)
Currently playing in Holland with FC Volendam on loan from Newcastle United, Kuol has played in all eight of his team’s league matches this season. He has featured in a total of 465 minutes, making seven starts so far.
He has scored one goal, coming against Fortuna Sittard, which resulted in him winning the Eredivisie Goal of the Month for September. He has also recorded one assist in their win over Utrecht earlier this month.
His side next face off against Excelsior on Monday morning, before following it up with a game against Ajax away next Friday.
Sam Silvera – Middlesbrough
After joining English Championship side Middlesbrough during the European Summer, Sam Silvera has had a bright six months after winning the Grand Final with the Mariners last season.
The winger has featured 12 times for Michael Carrick’s men, including nine times in the League. He has made seven starts, assisting twice against Huddersfield and West Brom. After a tough start to the season, Middlesbrough are now on a seven-match win streak, next coming up against Norwich on Wednesday morning.
Silvera has also made his international debut, getting his first minutes against Mexico in a 2-all draw. He also played against New Zealand in the Soccer Ashes, coming off the bench as the Socceroos won 2-0.
Lewis Miller – Hibernian FC
After an injury plagued first season in Scotland, Academy product Lewis Miller has been a standout for Mariners Legend Nick Montgomery’s Hibernian FC.
The defender has won numerous player of the match award’s so far, playing seven matches and scoring once this season.
This form saw Miller honoured with his first Socceroos call-up, making the squad for the most recent international window. He made his debut against England at Wembley before starting against New Zealand in the Soccer Ashes.
Anthony Pavlesic – FC Bayern
After joining FC Bayern in June this year, Pavlesic has been working hard in their Academy, known as FC Bayern Campus. He made his debut for Bayern II in the Regionalliga on October 3rd, playing the entire 90 minutes in their 4-2 win over Ansbach.
The young goalkeeper also played for the Young Socceroos at the Marbella Week of Football, featuring in the match against Denmark. That game ended in a 2-all draw, with Australia winning on penalties.
Toby Peil – Estrela Amadora
After graduating from the Mariners Academy this year, Toby Peil joined Portuguese top-flight team Estrela Amadora’s Academy as he moved over to Europe.
After being with the team for a short period of time, the young midfielder made the matchday squad yesterday as they took on Benfica’s Academy side in the Liga Revelacao.
Mariners footballers are making waves around the world, showcasing their talent on international stages.
Community is at the core of what we do at the Mariners, if you’d like to explore some of the different opportunities on offer please reach out to our Official USA Education Pathway Partner Upper90.
