Sporting Highlights *NEW TO 2009*

Academy names Mars Inspirational Athletes
The Central Coast Academy of Sport recently named two new recipients of the Mars Inspirational Athlete Award – Jake Down and Liam Alexander. Jake Down, a member of the Academy’s rugby union squad, was named as the Mars Inspirational Athlete in December. Jake, who is 15 and a student at Terrigal High School, joined the Central Coast Academy of Sport in October when the 2008/09 Rugby Union program commenced.

At club level, Jake plays for the Terrigal Trojans, who has been grand finalists for three years running. Jake was named man of the match in his club grand final in 2008 and he has also received the best and fairest award for his grade.
Liam Alexander, a hockey player in the Central Coast Academy of Sport’s Future Stars squad, is the most recent recipient of the Mars Inspirational Athlete Award.

The 17-year-old Wyong High School student has represented Sydney North Area in school hockey for the past four years, and was selected in the NSW CHS side and the NSW under-16s all schools side. It was from this selection that Liam was chosen to represent Australia in four tests against South Africa in August 2008. Outstanding performances for his country earned Liam the “Coach’s Player” of the tour award.

He has been invited to train at the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) in their Emerging Athlete program. Targeting elite hockey players, the NSWIS Emerging Athlete Program develops up to 60 athletes from across the State.

The Mars Inspirational Athlete Award is sponsored by Mars Food Australia, a partner of the Central Coast Academy of Sport. The award aims to focus on athletes who have excellent attendance, represent the Academy well, participate in community programs and act as good role models.

Local Sabot juniors successful at Australian Championships
Sabot dinghy sailors representing clubs from Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, including a solid contingent from Gosford Sailing Club competed at the 45th Australian Sabot Championships held at Airlie Beach, Queensland just prior to last Christmas.

Gosford Sabot sailors, Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike excelled again this year successfully defending their National Junior Title with Sophie McIntosh and Danielle Hughes as runners-up. In the Seniors Division Matt Graham was senior runner-up and Ashleigh Robson came at with fourth place.

Dragon boat regatta attracts teams from all over NSW
The fourth Annual Regatta of the Central Coast Dragon Boat Club was held at Tacoma on the Wyong River in early January attracting teams from all over NSW. Eight local paddlers qualified to represent NSW at the 2009 National Titles to be held at Lake Kawana in Caloundra, Queensland in April.

Mariners to play in China, Japan and Korea
Following the on field successes in 2008 the Central Coast Mariners will play in Group H of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League in the first half of 2009.
Their match schedule is:

Winners and runners-up will then play in the Knock Out stage on 27 May and 24 June with Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Final from 23 September to 7 November.

Back Send us your comments