Central Coast Mariners have been granted $1million in funding from the NSW Government after the launch of the A-Leagues club’s innovative community impact program – ‘Onside With the Mariners’.
Financially supported by the Office of Sport – part of a Labour pre-election promise to create lasting social change, the program is aimed at addressing gendered violence and promoting respectful relationships among secondary school students in the Central Coast region.
‘Onside With the Mariners’ – a program co-designed by the Mariners and the NSW Department of Education in partnership with the University of Newcastle, has been designed as a primary prevention initiative through football as Central Coast ranks among the highest regions in New South Wales for incidents of domestic and family violence.
A-LEAGUES ALUMNI: Aussies are taking over one of the biggest fixtures in world football
“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,” said Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey.
“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.”
UPDATE: FA, APL, PFA commit to phasing out ‘Caceres Clause’ & review of A-Leagues’ transfer system
EXPLAINED: What FA, PFA & APL announcement means for transfers in the A-Leagues
‘Onside With the Mariners’ and its activities include sports-based workshops, peer mentorship and relaxed environment learning all designed to build a safer and more empowered Central Coast community.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “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.”
MUST READ: I spent a day inside John Aloisi’s inner sanctum. This is everything I saw
Emily Husband, head coach of Central Coast’s Liberty A-League team, said: “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.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “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.”
ANOTHER ONE! Wellington Phoenix sign Japanese star who can play SIX positions from J.League giants
Mariners sporting director and Central Coast legend Matt Simon added: “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.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said: “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.”
