Alex Tobin to head Mariners Youth Team

And he'll be in Canberra to watch the ACTAS boys play the ACT Rockets in the coming weeks. Will anyone from Canberra get a go in the National Youth League?
Who would more to Gosford for $5000 if you are over 18, or $2500 if you are younger?

And if we had a Canberra Youth Team how many Canberrans would get a go?

Qantas Socceroo legend Tobin to spearhead Mariners’ youth

Central Coast Mariners Development Manager and Qantas Socceroo icon Alex Tobin has had his role with the Mariners expanded to include becoming the head coaching figure of the clubs inaugural National Youth League (NYL) campaign.

Tobin has been integral to the Mariners’ success from day one in his capacity as assistant to Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

Beyond his duties with the senior Mariners squad, Tobin has been instrumental in implementing and developing the Mariners’ one of a kind Youth Academy structures and talent identification initiatives.

Such is Tobin’s reputation as one of Australia’s foremost emerging coaches, the Qantas Socceroo great was invited to assist Football Federation Australia Technical Director Robert Baan in London last November for the international friendly between Australia and Nigeria.

Tobin’s appointment is an exceptional coup for the Mariners’ maiden NYL charge, where the 42-year-old will lead the Central Coast’s representation alongside fellow foundation Mariners talent Damien Brown.

"We are indeed fortunate to have had a coach and a character such as Alex at our club over the course of the past three Hyundai A-League seasons and we are understandably delighted to have expanded Alex’s role to include taking charge of our first ever NYL squad," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"Alex’s playing record speaks for itself and after only a few years in the coaching arena his reputation away from the pitch has grown considerably and I’m certain that each of our NYL squad members will relish the chance to work under the most capped Qantas Socceroo of all-time."

Tobin was inducted into Football Federation Australia’s Hall Of Fame last year in recognition of his truly unique contribution to the game.

No sportsman or sportswoman of any code in Australia has come close to matching Tobin’s amazing record of national league appearances, which totalled 522 at the time of Tobin’s final National Soccer League (NSL) start for the Northern Spirit in 2004.

Tobin’s last season with the Spirit was his 21st in Australia’s top flight – during which time he claimed three NSL Championships and two Joe Marston Medals for player of the match in an NSL Grand Final.

In the international arena, Tobin’s record is also unparalleled, his 87 ‘A’ international appearances, many of which as captain, seeing him top the list of the most capped Qantas Socceroos of all time.

"It is an honour to have been asked to lead the Mariners’ first ever NYL squad, which represents something very exciting not only for the Central Coast and the Hyundai A-League, but for football in Australia in general," said Tobin.

"I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of very talented young footballers here on the Central Coast and its surrounding regions through our Youth Academy and I’m confident that we can put out a very competitive line up come the kick off the regular season.

"The NYL presents a fantastic chance for Central Coast youngsters to make an impression at an elite level and, equally, a terrific opportunity for myself and Damien Brown to hone our skills in the coaching arena – I’m very much looking forward to the challenge."