The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce that 17-year-old Mariners Academy Member and current Central Coast Sports College student athlete Eliza Familton has signed a scholarship deal with the club.
Joining the Mariners Academy at Under 14’s level, the forward has worked her way through the ranks, now playing for our NSW League One First Grade Women’s Academy squad while also training full time with our Ninja A-League team.
Familton is fresh off an exciting 2024 on the field, which included a hugely successful 2024 National Youth Championships in July last year. Our newest Scholar scored four goals in seven games throughout the U16’s tournament, including once in the final, where NSW Metro defeated Northern NSW 4-0.
The 17-year-old featured alongside fellow Mariners Scholar Tiana Fuller throughout the campaign, both getting on the scoresheet during their triumphant final.
A current student athlete at Central Coast Sports College, Familton follows in a long line of CCSC students to be awarded contracts with our A-League teams, joining the likes of Annalise Rasmussen, Haine Eames, Arthur De Lima, Dylan Peraic-Cullen and Garang Kuol.
Familton is thrilled to have been given a scholarship contract with the Mariners and is eager to learn under the guidance of Emily Husband and her coaching staff.
“Getting told by Emily that I was being offered a scholarship contract was a dream come true and a moment that I did not expect, especially at my current age,” Familton said.
“Being a part of the Mariners academy during the main years of my footballing development so far, I have seen first-hand that there is no better place for me to continue to grow as a footballer than right here at the Mariners.
“This scholarship is just the beginning for me, I know that the hard work truly begins now, and I am excited to learn from Emily, her coaching staff and the entire squad.”
Central Coast Mariners Ninja A-League Head Coach Emily Husband is pleased to have been able to sign the promising young forward on a Scholarship Deal.
“We are delighted to be able to give Eliza this opportunity with a scholarship deal. She is a player with huge potential, and it is really pleasing to be able to promote one of our long-term Academy members into our Ninja A-League team,” Husband said.
“Eliza signing a scholarship deal with us follows our key principles of giving exciting young footballers a chance, especially local players who have developed through our Academy system. This is just the start for Eliza, and we look forward to working with her to unlock the enormous potential she has.”
