Despite not getting a chance to show off his goalkeeping prowess on the field, Pearce acted as a substitute goalkeeper on the bench after injured Mariners goalkeeper Liam Reddy was forced to withdraw.

The Mariners played Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday November 2.

Despite the Mariners going down to Sydney 2-0, Pearce said it was a great opportunity to witness all the action. 

“It was nerve racking being on the bench but there was a great atmosphere,” the 17-year-old said.

“It was really good to witness how the players acted as a team in the dress shed and then on the field.  I’m not sure how soon that will come up again but it was a great opportunity.”

Pearce, who moved from Forster to New Lambton in 2012, left the Newcastle Jets National Youth League in early January and linked up with the Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW National Premier League. 

After an impressive trial on the Central Coast in July with the Central Coast Mariners, Pearce was selected for the club’s youth side. 

Training twice a day with the club, Adam and fellow goal keeper Nicholas Sorras also work closely with goalkeeping coach John Crawley.  

“It’s good. The players are all really supportive. They’re a good group to be around, I feel like I made a good decision switching to the Mariners,” Pearce said. 

“He (John Crawley) is a very good coach. He knows what he’s doing.” 

Mariners youth coach Stuart Jacobs said given Pearce’s age he still needs time but is shaping up to be a potential star. 

“Adam is a long term project. He’s only 17 so we’ve got a bit of time to work with him. Hopefully in the next two or three years he’ll be ready for the A-league or by then we’ll at least have more of an idea of where he is at,” Jacobs said. 

“He’s played in the first three games (of the youth side) of this season and has done well. The good thing about Adam is he’s got good size and a good attitude towards what he’s doing. If he continues to do well with the youth league then he’ll be well on his way.”