The Central Coast Mariners have launched an innovative community impact program, Onside With the Mariners, aimed at addressing gendered violence and promoting respectful relationships among secondary school students in the Central Coast region. This initiative is supported by a $1 million grant from the Office of Sport, part of a Labor pre-election promise to create lasting social change.
The Central Coast consistently ranks among the highest regions in New South Wales for incidents of domestic and family violence. In response, Onside With the Mariners is designed as a primary prevention initiative, using football as a conduit to foster discussions about healthy relationships, respect, and conflict resolution.
Speaking at the launch, Premier Chris Minns emphasised the critical role of such programs in addressing domestic violence: “As a Government, we are committed to addressing the devastating impact of domestic and family violence across the state, but we know we can’t do it alone. Programs like this make a real difference in young people’s lives and in the community as a whole. I’m grateful to the Mariners for stepping up and taking on this leadership role for young people in the community, as we work to create a safer New South Wales.”
Matt Simon, Sporting Director of the Central Coast Mariners, highlighted the club’s deep commitment to the community: “Onside With the Mariners is more than just a football clinic; it’s a commitment to our community. As a club, we’ve always believed in the power of football to bring about positive change. This initiative allows us to use football to address serious social issues and help shape a healthy future for youth in our community.”
The program has been co-designed by the Central Coast Mariners and the NSW Department of Education, in partnership with the University of Newcastle. It aligns directly with the NSW Department of Education’s PDHPE 7-10 Syllabus outcomes, aiming to educate students on the importance of healthy relationships, promote respect and empathy, foster positive behaviours, and create safe environments.
Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport, praised the Mariners for leveraging their platform to deliver such a vital program: “Sport is not just about who can score the most goals; it’s about bringing the community together and instilling important values of respect in our young people. Our athletes are role models for many, and it’s fantastic to see the Mariners using their platform to deliver such a vital program.”
The program’s activities include sports-based workshops, peer mentorship and relaxed environment learning all designed to build a safer and more empowered Central Coast community. These initiatives will empower students to become advocates for respectful relationships within their schools and communities.
Emily Husband, Mariners A-League Women’s Head Coach, shared her thoughts on the broader impact of the program: “Football has a unique ability to unite people and create a sense of belonging. Through Onside With the Mariners, we’re not just teaching skills on the pitch; we’re instilling values that extend far beyond it. We’re empowering young people to make positive choices that will benefit them and our communities for years to come.”
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, also commented on the program’s significance: “The Mariners are important role models across the Central Coast, and this is another great step to use the positive power of sport to influence social change and create healthy communities.”
Alyssar Narey, CEO of the Central Coast Mariners, echoed these sentiments: “The launch of Onside With the Mariners marks a significant step forward in our efforts to make a lasting impact on the Central Coast as The Community Club. This program embodies our vision of using football as a tool for social good. By engaging with students and the wider community, we’re working to create a safer, healthier and more respectful environment for everyone.”
The University of Newcastle, a key partner in the program, also expressed its commitment. Chancellor, Honourable Patricia Forsythe AM stated, “This project is a great example of how the University of Newcastle responds to the real issues in our regions, partnering with industry, community, and government for solutions that support stronger, healthier, and connected communities. We’re delighted that our University’s strengths in sports education and trauma-informed practice will be harnessed in this new program and that together we’ll help build a safer and more empowered Central Coast community.”
Central Coast Mariners would like to acknowledge and thank Enrichd for their support in assisting with the development of the Onside With The Mariners program.
