Haine Eames has signed a three-year scholarship deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
Currently in his second year with the Mariners, having joined our academy at under-15 level last year, the 16-year-old Central Coast Sports College student has featured throughout all of the top grades this season.
Beginning the year in the under-18s before moving up to predominately feature for the under-20s side, Eames has been rewarded for his strong performances with minutes off the bench in Lucas Vilela’s first grade squad, competing in the National Premier League NSW competition.
His efforts this season have also seen him gain national team attention, with a call-up in the Joeys squad for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) under-16 boys championships.
The midfielder has also been included by head coach Mark Jackson in first team training.
Eames is not short of role models, with 13 Mariners Academy graduates featuring in the Mariners’ treble-winning 23/24 season.
The young midfielder looks to players like Max Balard for inspiration as he steps into professional football for the first time.
“Max is someone who I try and play like.,” he said.
“A deep play-making midfielder, I want to get the ball and keep it moving.
“I always watch the first team games, watch the way he moves, take notes off him every game and replicate that in my games.
“When I first got to the Mariners, everyone was so welcoming; they’re all just a big family.
“This season I am just looking to get more Academy first grade minutes, then next season work my hardest to get in and around the A-League team.
“I’m really excited; it’s going to be a great upcoming season and I’m just ready to work and improve under Jacko.
“There are lots of people who have helped me get this scholarship deal.
“A big thank you to our Chairman Rich Peil, Matt Simon and Jacko for their support and the faith that they have shown in me.
“Also, a special thank you to my family; without them I would not be getting this opportunity.”
Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon said Eames has huge potential and ability.
“This follows one of the key principles of who we are as a club, giving talented young footballers a chance to grow with us,” he said.
“We feel that he can develop greatly over the coming years and be of great value to us.
“Everyone at the club looks forward to helping Haine continue the hard work and watching him develop as a footballer.”