Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Jai Ajanovic has signed a three-year scholarship deal with Central Coast Mariners.
Joining the Mariners Academy at the beginning of the year, the Central Coast Sports College student played across numerous age divisions in 2024, recently stopping a penalty in the U20’s NPL NSW grand final.
His strong performances throughout the year at the academy saw him continue to be selected in Australian junior teams, memorably winning the 2024 ASEAN U16 Boys Championship as the squad’s starting goalkeeper.
Still only 15 at the time of the tournament, Jai stopped two penalties in the deciding penalty shootout, helping Australia win its first ASEAN U16 Boys Championship since 2016.
The goalkeeper also recently featured for the Australian U17s in the PACIFICAUS Sports Football tour, with the team winning 4-1 against the Solomon Islands U19s team in the match that he started in.
The 16 year old is extremely excited to be given a scholarship and is eager to learn in the first team environment.
“Receiving a scholarship contract at the Mariners means so much to me,” Jai said.
“Joining the club at the beginning of the year in the academy, I have had an incredible time so far and I can’t wait for it to continue.
“I’ve already had some training sessions with the first team which has taught me so much, there is no better place for me to continue to grow as a footballer and goalkeeper than at the Mariners.”
Central Coast Mariners head coach Mark Jackson said he was pleased to have one of Australia’s brightest young goalkeepers at the club.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that we have signed Jai on a scholarship deal,” Jackson said.
“He is a great prospect for the club and for the nation as a goalkeeper.
“With Jai signing a scholarship deal, four of the best young Australian goalkeepers are here on the Coast with a lot of potential.
“He has already had exposure to the A-League squad throughout the year so far, and this will continue to occur throughout his development.”