Former Sydney FC Will Kennedy signs with Mariners

Central Coast Mariners have signed former Sydney FC youngster Will Kennedy on a one-year contract ahead of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s Season.

Born in Sydney’s northern suburbs, Kennedy rose through the Sydney FC youth ranks and has made six first team appearances for the Sky Blues, including his Isuzu UTE A-League and AFC Champions League Two debuts in 2024/25.

Kennedy also was part of the young Sydney squad that defeated Wrexham in the high-profile pre-season friendly in July, playing 27 minutes in front of the 40,000-strong crowd at Allianz.

The 20-year-old is known for his competitive nature and winning mentality, drawing comparisons at his previous club to Manchester United icon Roy Keane, as well as his versatility, as he can operate in either full-back positions and in midfield.

In his first interview with the Mariners, Kennedy spoke about aligning with Mark Jackson’s philosophy, already settling into the group and what the Mariners fans can expect to see from him:

“As soon as Jacko got in touch with me and told me about the way he wants to play, it’s aggressive but also controlled and that really suits my style,” he said.

“I love to not hesitate, be aggressive and defend on the front foot.”

On being compared with Roy Keane, Kennedy said Kelly Cross, Sydney FC Youth Technical Director, always used to say that to him.

“I guess it’s a mentality thing, that’s how I like to play,” he said.

“I like to win tackles, win duels and Jacko wants the team to be on the front foot and win every duel, that’s natural for me so that was really enticing.

“He also wants to be one of the best teams in the league on the ball.

“The main thing that made me want to come to the Mariners is the opportunity to play A-League minutes and do it with a really good young team.

“In my opinion, there is nothing more a footballer should want, if they’re not getting as many opportunities at another club, why would you not want to go to a great club like Central Coast Mariners to play your football.

“I knew Migzy (Miguel Di Pizio), Paully (Nathan Paull) and a few of the boys from Sydney.

“It’s such a young group so I feel like we all know of each other and I have played against some of the boys in the NPL.

“I’ve been here two days, and I haven’t had to worry about fitting in.

“Everyone has made it really easy, and been really outgoing and welcoming which has been really nice.

“The first session on the pitch was tough, but that’s why I’m here.

“I know Jacko cannot only give me more playing time but also make me a way better footballer.

“Hopefully I can prove I am good enough to get game time firstly, then you will see me always being on the front foot, always being aggressive, you’ll see me making repeated sprints to get up and down the pitch, and winning my one-on-one battles.

“I pride myself on not letting anyone beat me, I want to be solid but also provide an outlet going forward.”