Springs youngster Zoricich joins Central Coast Mariners after successful trial

posted in: News, Recognition, Uncategorized |

Promising Auckland teenager Zac Zoricich has signed for Australian men’s A-League club Central Coast Mariners.

The versatile defender — he can play left or right back — has joined the Mariners on a Youth Development Agreement for 2022, reports the Western Springs AFC website.

Zoricich (19) had signed to play for Northern League club Auckland City this season but was also offered a trial with the Mariners.

His successful trial means he’s crossed the Tasman Sea for the season ahead.

Initially, he will play for the Central Coast U-23 team in the New South Wales NPL 2 League and his next target is a scholarship contract, enabling him to train with the Mariners’ A-League squad.

Zoricich, who was born in Gosford, not far from the Mariners Stadium, began playing as a youngster at Three Kings United before joining Western Springs at 13.

After breaking into the first team at 16, Zoricich played National League football for Waitakere United in 2020-21 and was selected for the national U-20 training camps.

However, after attending only one camp, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the U-20 FIFA World Cup and he missed his chance for national age group honours.

Main photo: Zoricich playing for Western Springs. Image: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

Western Springs: ‘We are proud of Zac’

In their online statement announcing the move, Western Springs AFC said:

“We are very proud of Zac who has worked extremely hard to get this opportunity and is under no illusions that this is just a foot in the door with the hard work he’s put in over his development years hopefully starting to pay off now.

“His life as a footballer has started and we hope he can continue to progress and achieve his dream of becoming a full professional in the near future.”