CENTRAL Coast Mariners 2012/13 Hyundai A-League pre-season preparations continue this week.
CENTRAL Coast Mariners 2012/13 Hyundai A-League pre-season preparations continue this week.
Graham Arnold-s side will take on Central Coast Football Select (CCFS) at Bluetongue Stadium.
The game will provide Mariners boss Graham Arnold with the opportunity to rotate his squad as he and his coaching staff continue to fine-tune their players leading into the season proper.
Fans attending Thursday-s clash between the Mariners and CCFS will be treated to an interesting sub-plot, with former Mariners Head Coach turned General Manager of Football mentoring the two CCFS teams taking part in the game. Berkeley Vale FC-s Stuart Davis (North) and Umina FC-s Chris Powell (South) will assist McKinna.
With the local Premier League finals series in full swing, Central Coast Football has selected two teams of 11 players to contest the match. Players hailing from ‘South- Central Coast clubs will feature in the first half, followed by players representing ‘North- Central Coast clubs in the second stanza.
McKinna said the game offers the 22 players selected the unique opportunity to show their capabilities at Gosford-s idyllic bayside arena.
“It-s going to be great for the 22 local boys from North and South,” McKinna said. “It-s a good chance for them to go on Bluetongue and they are going to be playing against people that they-ve watched all last season.”
“They-re going to be rubbing shoulders with young Bernie (Ibini), (Mile) Sterjovski, (Adam) Kwasnik, all these guys. It-s going to be fantastic for the boys and a good night.”
A bumper Bluetongue Stadium crowd is hoped for, with Ronald McDonald House receiving any profits made from the evening.
“Once we cover the costs of the stadium and security the money will go to Ronald McDonald House on the Central Coast,” McKinna said.
“It-s a chance for local Premier League fans to come out and support the local players, support their club, the local community, and Central Coast Mariners.”
Central Coast Mariners vs. Central Coast Football Select
Thursday 6 September 2012
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Admission: Adults $5, kids under 16 FREE
Twitter: Follow the match action and join the conversation on Twitter. The official hashtag is #CCMvCCFS