THE Central Coast Mariners’ strengthened relationship with Central Coast Football has returned early dividends, with young Lightning star Scott McGinley earning a short-term deal with the Mariners’ National Youth League squad.

The two parties have resolved to work closely at both a community and elite level following a December annual general meeting which resulted in a new board of directors for CCF, led as chairman by former first grade referee Darren Sprod.

McGinley comes in to coach Tony Walmsley’s squad in time for Saturday’s home clash against fierce rival Newcastle Jets, and will remain until after the NYL grand final, scheduled as a curtain raiser to the Hyundai A-League decider on Saturday, March 20.

“Scott has trained with us for the majority of the season and has done well,” Walmsley said.

“After releasing Graz Trimboli, and with several of our players in the mix for first team spots over the next two weeks, we thought it was a great opportunity to reward Scott for the hard work he has put in throughout the year.”

The tough central midfielder was a Killarney District junior before linking up with Central Coast Coasties in Under 11s and 12s, and then the Northern Spirit Youth Academy, before returning to the Coast and the newly branded Lightning, where he made his first grade debut in the NSW State Super League in 2008.

“Training with the boys this season has been great, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity," McGinley said.

“I didn’t really expect it, I just focussed on training hard, doing what was required of me, and I suppose it has paid off."

The Central Coast Mariners next home match of the National Youth League 2009/10 season will be against Newcastle Jets this Saturday, February 6. Kick off is at 3.10pm.

* Glen Lauder is media and communications manager for the Central Coast Mariners.