The first ever Central Coast Mariners Coaching Conference attracted over fifty coaches from across the state and some from across the border two weeks ago in a telling endorsement for the Mariners’ one-of-a-kind experience for aspirant coaches to enjoy to company of the Mariners’ record breaking coaching contingent.
The first ever Central Coast Mariners Coaching Conference attracted over fifty coaches from across the state and some from across the border two weeks ago in a telling endorsement for the Mariners- one-of-a-kind experience for aspirant coaches to enjoy to company of the Mariners- record breaking coaching contingent.
Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna, Assistant Coach & National Youth League (NYL) Head Coach Alex Tobin and guest player Mark Bosnich were among those to entertain the gallery of coaches over two days at the Mariners- Bluetongue Stadium home.
Course participants were also treated to a Mariners NYL fixture, an exclusive practical coaching workshop and keynote addresses from the aforementioned trio, Mariners Strength & Conditioning Coach Andrew Clark and NYL Assistant Coach Damien Brown.
Co-ordinated by Mariners Academy Coaching & Development Manager Tony Walmsley, the inaugural Coaching Conference offered an unparalleled insight into the professional business of football and an up close and personal look at the coaching operations of the Mariners- Hyundai A-League and NYL squads.
“We took the opportunity to provide access to coaches from all levels of the game to see how our current professionals and future professionals are being prepared,” said Walmsley.
“It was a compelling two days and we look forward to the opportunity of working with some of these coaches through our football in the community and Academy projects in the future.”
The Mariners- next grassroots football initiative begins this week, with the Mariners Academy for elite players aged between 8 and 14 years set to kick off at five venues on the Central Coast and its surrounding regions from this evening.
Several coaches that gained experience at the Coaching Conference will be involved in some capacity with the Mariners Academy, which is the only set up of its kind to offer a straight line development pathway from the grassroots through to the National Youth League and ultimately, the Hyundai A-League.
Several members of the Mariners Academy were presented to the gallery at Bluetongue Stadium when the Mariners suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Wellington Phoenix last Sunday and will soon take to the training pitch with ambitions to one day return to the Mariners- waterfront home in a yellow and navy jersey.
“We-d like to thank everyone that attended our first ever Coaching Conference and congratulate all involved for what was a very memorable and extremely beneficial event for all concerned,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“Such events as the Coaching Conference and the fast approaching Academy put into sharp focus our ambition to become the centre of excellence for football in Australia and from a development pathways and talent identification perspective, I-m confident that we-re the ones blazing a trail.
“We look forward to inviting more coaches to Bluetongue Stadium to experience the Hyundai A-League with our coaches in the future and eagerly anticipate what exciting young players will emerge from our Academy structure in the coming months and years.”
The Mariners- Hyundai A-League season continues at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday, 24 October when they host northern rivals the Newcastle Jets. Kick off is at 8pm.
Prior to the main game, the Mariners- National Youth League (NYL) campaign will continue with the first ever F3 NYL derby between the Mariners and the Jets. Kick off is at 5.15pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
