"It's a ringing endorsement for the progress of the fledgling Mariners Youth Academy," said a club spokesman today.

McAndrew, 18, today signed on as the first graduate from the Youth Academy, which only recently unveiled its inaugural squad members.

Sourcing promising players from local leagues, representative structures and surrounding regions, the Mariners Youth Academy provides a unique straight line pathway for football hopefuls on the Central Coast.

Wyoming junior McAndrew is the first player to have progressed through the ranks of the Youth Academy to the Mariners senior squad.

In the coming season he will become the tenth Central Coaster to have worn Mariners colours in official A-League competition since their inception.

Each of the Mariners’ three mandatory restricted age signings for their third A-League season are Central Coast products.

Bradley Porter, from Kanwal, Andrew Redmayne, from Gosford City and McAndrew, make up three of the Mariners’ seven Central Coast locals in Lawrie McKinna’s line up – the greatest quota of Central Coast born and raised players in three seasons of the Mariners.

McAndrew was first introduced to the Mariners’ senior set up in April, making a substitute appearance against the Central Coast Lightning in the Central Coast Challenge Cup at Pluim Park.

One month later, McAndrew replaced Tony Vidmar with nine minutes remaining against Asian Cup co-hosts Malaysia, before jetting out to Hong Kong to represent the Mariners at the Philips Lighting Soccer 7s.

While in Hong Kong, McAndrew made several substitute appearances and one start against eventual champions Aston Villa to assist the Central Coast to the final of tournament.

Most recently a lynchpin member of the Central Coast Lightning’s Under 20s side, who currently occupy second place in the state’s second tier youth competition, McAndrew offers McKinna with a unique option in defence and midfield.

McAndrew will wear the number four jersey for the Mariners in 2007/08.

With McAndrew’s signing, the Mariners have ultimately introduced eight new faces to their squad for season three: Dean Heffernan, Mile Jedinak, Ian McAndrew, Greg Owens, Sasho Petrovski, Andrew Redmayne, Matt Simon and Matthew Trott.

McAndrew is a chance to be eligible for selection for Saturday’s Pre-Season Cup semi final against the Perth Glory at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium. Kick off is at 6pm.