Young Tigers Tinker at the Top

David Cain and Chad Cowley may not be household names just yet, but as modern sport shows, the jump to stardom can sometimes occur in what seems to be, overnight.
And this pair is certainly on the right track to making that dream a reality.
Cemented in a solid Northern Tigers First Grade squad, Cain and Cowley were selected to train with the Central Coast Mariners Youth Team last November for three months, after a deal was organized between the Kuringai Association and the A-League outfit. Central Coast Mariners Youth Coach, Damien Brown, was pleased with providing an opportunity for the upcoming youngsters to gain some valuable experience.
Having both been part of the championship winning Northern Tigers U/20 team in 2008, it was no surprise  Northern Tiger?s First Grade Coach, Jason Eager, had the duo?s names up front when choosing who should represent the club.
?After the agreement between Kuringai Association and Central Coast Mariners was made, Cain and Cowley were the first names which came to mind,? said Eager.
The Tiger?s boss was quick to acknowledge the ?amazing technical skills? Cain and Cowley posses, while stating that both had every opportunity to make the transition from Super League to Premier League in the near future.
Cowley, who has played for the Tigers since he was 15, admitted to a bit of nerves after hearing he would be training with some of the best young players in the country.
?Of course it?s a little intimidating going to a team such as Central Coast Mariners Youth in the beginning, but the coach and the players made me feel so at home and the atmosphere so positive, that the nerves quickly settled and I was able to play my normal game,? said the 18 year old midfielder.
Cain, 17, on the other hand was more relaxed about the whole affair, stating that the butterflies stayed at home once training begun.
?I was excited to be there and ready to play football.  I didn?t have time to be nervous,? commented the Northbridge local.
The calm nerves proved vital as the year 11 centre midfielder was invited to train with the Central Coast Mariners First Grade squad in April, based on his performance.
?After my three month stint with the Central Coast Mariners Youth Team, my coach told me that I would be training with the Mariner?s First Team squad.
?I was and still am very excited about this prospect and just hope I can play my best football,? added Cain.
The Super League youngsters admired the professional atmosphere of the Mariners, noting the boy?s approach and intensity during training and the luxury of having their kit laid out prior to every session, as a professionalism they had never seen before. Just as important, was the impact the A-League Youth Coach had on both of them.
?I really enjoyed Brown?s coaching methods. It was great how he would join in on the sessions and know when to have a joke and when to be serious.
?He provided continual feedback which helped develop my game and would never abuse or hurt the player?s confidence,? said Cowley.
When asked where the two see themselves in the next five years, A-League was a first choice pick. The pair believes it?s all about working hard and doing everything possible to get their names known by the people who matter.
Cowley summed it up best.
 ?You must always try and play your best in order to get your foot in the door. This is the way to become known in the long run and achieve great things.?
-By Caetano Lima