Mariners community programs expanding in 2009

A Canberra A-League side would change many things in the football community over time.

Here's what the Mariners are doing just four years after they started, though I'm not sure what they mean by "learn to play the Mariners way." "the Mariners Way," is not my view of how the game could be played...but suppose it takes all sorts:)



The Central Coast Mariners’ community and player development program has re-commenced with a new and expansive model aimed to engage participants at all levels, while casting an eye over new talent.

With a focus on accessibility and affordability, the Mariners will host and support school holiday clinics and regional development centres across the Central Coast and the northern Sydney corridor in partnership with the Ku-ring-gai & District Soccer Association and Gladesville Hornsby Football Association.

School holiday programs scheduled for 2009 will number in excess of 40 programs, with this massive footprint set to engage over 2,000 children between the ages of 4 and 12 years in fun and developmental sessions that include visits from Mariners players.

The development centres will be conducted during school terms over eight advanced sessions to assist club-based players to 'learn to play the Mariners way'.

To facilitate the growth of the community football program, the Mariners have engaged the services of Tim Thorne as Community Development Officer – Sydney, who will work in conjunction with foundation Mariners player and now Youth Development Co-ordinator, Damien Brown.

"It’s a great time to be engaging kids in football and through the Mariners development initiatives we are driving community development to a new level," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"The Mariners provide a pathway to professional football that is unique in football in Australia and we believe it is a part of our responsibility to provide aspiring young players at all levels with some key opportunities and milestones along their journey towards this goal.

"Football is fun and we want every player who attends a Mariners program to enjoy their experience whatever their level of development."