Soccer player wins Mariners scholarship

Jacob Wesson, a junior soccer player at Southern Ettalong United Football Club, is one of six members of the Central Coast Mariners Academy to receive a scholarship for the next 12 months.

Wesson has played representative soccer for the Central Coast since the Under-11s.

He was selected as the goalkeeper this season for the Central Coast Mariners Under-16 Academy side.

Central Coast Mariners general manager of football Mr Lawrie McKinna said that it was pleasing to support players from the local area.

"The scholarship aims to give the Central Coast recipients the opportunity to further enhance their playing prospects through the benefits of each scholarship.

"The players who have been granted a 2012-13 football scholarship are extremely worthy recipients, and we hope that the benefits included help take their game to a new level."

The scholarship gives the recipients a range of health, fitness and career benefits, including a 12-month membership to Mingara One Fitness and Aquatic Centre, a full screen assessment and injury treatment at Hills Street Sports Medicine Centre and a range of Central Coast Academy of Sport and Central Coast Mariners branded sportswear.

Recipients also receive promotion as CCAS football scholarship athletes through local media, a professional photo shoot and video interview with the option for a sporting resume.

The scholarship also gives recipients access to media skills and development training, educational seminars, presentations and special events through the academy, as well as personalised education and personal development sessions with a sports business consultant.

Media Release, 15 June 2012

Ben O'Neill, Central Coast Mariners Football Club