SA teenage goalkeeper Joe Gauci signs for A-League club Central Coast Mariners
Rob Greenwood, The Advertiser
June 19, 2018 6:08pm
EMULATING Socceroos No. 1 Mat Ryan is the target for SA’s hottest goalkeeping property after securing a dream A-League move.
Teenage prodigy Joe Gauci has been unveiled as Central Coast Mariners’ latest signing in the club’s rebuild under new coach Mike Mulvey.
The West Torrens Birkalla custodian drew inspiration from World Cup-bound Ryan, who made his A-League debut eight years ago, also for the Gosford outfit, aged 18.
“It’s a really great opportunity for me,” said Gauci, who turns 18 next month.
“You always want to get that pro contract and it’s been my goal ever since I started playing as a little kid.
“He (Ryan) is someone I really want to follow now.
“Going to Central Coast so young, if I was able to get some game-time at a young age the same as him it would be really good.
“They’ve said they’ll play me if I’m good enough and that’s all I want to hear.
“The rest is up to me.”
Gauci has been a National Premier Leagues SA standout for the past two seasons, displaying a level of maturity and consistency belying his inexperience between the posts.
He impressed during a trial with Central Coast in February, before returning to the club for another week of training last month which landed him a scholarship deal.
The 194cm talent will join the Mariners for pre-season training ahead of the FFA Cup round-of-32 in July/August.
“Mike (Mulvey) said they could see me in the future of the club,” the Year 12 Sacred Heart College student said.
“I’m going from training two or maybe three times a week, to training every day and sometimes twice a day.
“It’s going to be a big step up, but it’s the environment you want to be in to improve.
“To have signed is a relief for me really and now I just want to get started.”
The Adelaide-born youngster took his first soccer steps in the unlikely setting of Waiheke Island, 21km off the coast of Auckland.
Gauci moved across the Tasman aged four with his family after his mother, Donna, was posted to New Zealand in her role as general manager of Sealink.
Joe Gauci has played 31 National Premier Leagues SA matches for West Torrens Birkalla over the past two seasons. Picture: Tait Schmaal
He began his career as a striker, but soon settled in goals.
“When you’re younger, you’re always crying when you concede (a goal),” Gauci, of Somerton Park, said.
“But I love it and I wouldn’t play any other position.
“In under-12s and 13s I was one of the shorter keepers, but I’ve had a late growth spurt and now I’m towering over most of the blokes I play against.”
Gauci returned home aged 11 and progressed through Football Federation SA’s development pathway before joining Birkalla.
He got his senior break last season when first choice keeper and his mentor Julian Torresan sustained a serious shoulder injury in round one.
“My transition was pretty quick,” said Gauci, who went on to play 20 NPL SA games in 2017.
“But the last couple of years, playing first team at such a young age I knew the (A-League) opportunity was always there if I was to perform.
“I’m only 17, so I’ll work hard and make the most of it.
“But for me, I want to be playing in the A-League as soon as I can.”
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