Rising Assyrian-Australian footballer Gabriel Tilo has signed a scholarship deal with A-League side Central Coast Mariners ahead of the 2026/27 season, following a breakthrough campaign with Sydney United 58 in the National Premier Leagues NSW.
The 17-year-old made his senior debut for Sydney United in 2025 before establishing himself as one of the competition’s emerging young talents in 2026. He finished the season with 28 appearances, three goals and one assist across all competitions, helping United 58 secure the NPL NSW championship with a Grand Final victory over APIA Leichhardt.
Tilo’s performances also earned him selection for the CommBank Young Socceroos, joining Australia’s Under-20 squad for the Australia-China Friendship Series in March.
Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon praised Tilo’s potential, highlighting his confidence in competing against senior players and the opportunity for the club to support his development in a professional environment.
Central Coast Mariners FC is a professional Australian football club based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. The club is known for developing young Australian players through their academy.
Tilo described the move as a major milestone, saying he was eager to embrace the higher standards of professional football and learn from the club’s coaches and senior players.
The young Assyrian will now join head coach John Hutchinson’s A-League Men’s squad as the Mariners prepare for the 2026/27 season.
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Barseen Oshana
