Goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen has signed a scholarship deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
The 17-year-old first joined the Mariners before the 2023 NPL season after catching the eye of the club during its pre-season trip to Canberra last year.
Peraic-Cullen, who had just turned 16 at the time, featured in the Capital All-Stars squad which faced the Mariners, showing his clear potential in that match.
The goalkeeper was soon brought to the Central Coast for a trial, finding his way into the Mariners Academy system.
He has since featured throughout the academy, making his NPL First Grade debut recently and being awarded a position in the NPL NSW Team of the Week for his performance against Rockdale Ilinden.
Peraic-Cullen was also selected in the Subway Joeys squad for a domestic training camp in May, unfortunately ultimately missing the AFC U-17 Asian Cup tournament due to injury.
The youngster has developed at a rapid rate under the watchful eye of A-League Men’s Goalkeeper Coach Miguel Miranda, going from strength to strength over the past 12 months.
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery said Peraic-Cullen was tall, explosive and possessing strong ball distribution skills.
“Dylan is an exceptional talent and has massive potential,” Montgomery said.
“When we first saw him in Canberra last season, the rest of the staff and I were blown away by his profile at 16 years of age.
“He is already training full time with the A-League squad and is developing at a rapid rate.
“This has come under the guidance of Miguel Miranda – and what better mentor than Danny Vukovic for any young player.”
The Mariners are able to provide scholarship contracts as a result of the generous support of the TAG Foundation.
The organisation gives vital funds for promising young footballers to train full time with the first team helping them develop in their footballing careers.
The program has helped support the development of numerous current first team players and many who have moved overseas.
Former graduates include Josh Nisbet, Jacob Farrell, Lewis Miller, Gianni Stensness, Garang Kuol, Alou Kuol and Jing Reec with many of them currently plying their trade in top leagues across the world.
The club would thanked the TAG Foundation for its continued support in the development of young footballers on the Central Coast.
Source:
Central Coast Mariners