With the Central Coast Mariners still basking in the glory of their opening round win against the defending Hyundai A-League double winners Melbourne Victory, the club has had a significant win off the pitch too.
With the Central Coast Mariners still basking in the glory of their opening round win against the defending Hyundai A-League double winners Melbourne Victory, the club has had a significant win off the pitch too.
Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman has been invited to be a member of the Asian Football Confederation-s Ad Hoc Committee for Professional Clubs, set up at the most recent AFC executive committee meeting, alongside similar groups for Member Associations and Professional leagues.
“This appointment is not about me, but is a testament to all involved in our club and the work that has been put in over the past five years to lay the proud foundations we have in place today at the Mariners. The appointment should be seen as a reward for all in involved in the our journey so far,” said Gorman.
“It also highlights the high regard Football Federation Australia is held in by the AFC, and will help both the Central Coast Mariners and football in this country take a giant leap forward.”
Gorman finds himself in good company as he join the committee, with Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy to represent Australia on the Member Associations Committee, while Chief Executive Ben Buckley has been given the chairmanship of the professional leagues group.
“The Mariners are always proud to acknowledge the incredible dedication Frank and Ben have undertaken in developing Football in Australia, they were very much behind the push to have this country join the AFC, and I congratulate both of them on their appointments,” Gorman said.
“I-d also like to thank the Asian Football Confederation for giving me this opportunity to join this committee, I-m looking forward to providing a voice for Australian clubs in Asia.”
And Gorman-s appointment has drawn praise and congratulation from business, politics and the sport sectors alike, including Kerry Ruffels, head of Regional Development Australia – Central Coast, and Gorman-s Chief Executive at the Mariners John McKay.
“Lyall-s appointment to this AFC committee is the first of its type and another milestone for the Club. It-s also a personal testament to the high regard in which Lyall is held both at FFA and the AFC,” said McKay.
The first of the meetings for the Ad Hoc Committees will be held in Kuala Lumpur on 10 and 11 August 2009.
The Mariners first home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season is against local rival Newcastle Jets on Friday, August 14. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
