Central Coast Mariners players and staff have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from the Central Coast public regarding the vast and varied community initiatives they have been engaged in this off season.
Central Coast Mariners players and staff have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from the Central Coast public regarding the vast and varied community initiatives they have been engaged in this off season.
Earlier this week, strikers Matt Simon and Michael Baird, defender Josh Rose and Assistant Coach Phil Moss ventured to Geoff Wright Respite Cottage in Gosford to spend time with some of the Central Coast-s elderly residents.
After the visit, support staff member Sharon Nicholls contacted the club singing the quartets praises.
“They were awesome,” Nicholls said. “They all came in, shook everyone-s hand and instantly started to chat with everyone.”
“Some of our clients (at Geoff Wright Cottage) are very elderly and the visit truly brightened their day. In fact, this was the best day a lot of them have had in a long time,” she said.
The Mariners ‘Club Nights- have proven to be especially popular throughout the region as well, with the entire squad spending an evening teaching skills, signing autographs and immersing themselves with budding football stars.
The management at Wyoming FC were one of many clubs to forward their appreciation to the Mariners.
“Everything went very well and according to plan with all the kids enjoying themselves immensely,” Wyoming FC Committee Member Kevin Lee wrote. “It was great to see the players interacting with the kids, joking and laughing!”
“Please pass on our sincere thanks again to Graham (Arnold), Andrew (Clarke) and the squad. You-ll always be welcome at our club if the opportunity arises again.”
MarinersACTIVE Schools Program has also been in full swing under the able guidance of Foundation player and Mariners Development Coordinator, Damien Brown.
Each week, Brown has been venturing to at least three schools, providing 100 per cent free, fun football education to local kids.
Teacher Tenille Callaghan from St. Cecilia-s Catholic School, Wyong, wrote to the Mariners detailing how delighted her class was to participate in MarinersACTIVE.
“The children had a great time and it was a highlight of their year so far,” Callaghan penned. “The children have been writing recounts in class and their experience with you was a topic they were thrilled to write about.”
Mariners- players have also lent their star power to various charities, including the Salvations Army-s Red Shield Appeal, the Every Australian Counts National Disability Scheme campaign, and Football NSW-s Football4All initiative. Football4All aims to give people with a disability or special needs an avenue to enjoy football with family and friends.
Derek Taylor, who helped organise the Central Coast arm of the Salvos appeal, sent his gratitude to the club.
“Can you please pass on my appreciation to the individual team members who braved the wild conditions. Over the course of the weekend and across both the Terrigal and Kincumber Roadside collection points we managed to raise over $12,000 for the appeal.”
Lastly, four Mariners players ventured to Wadalba High School yesterday to partake in the PFA Heroes Program.
Matt Simon, Josh Rose, Brad Porter and Justin Pasfield spent the afternoon mentoring students about important life values including fair play, respect, teamwork, and pride.
We look forward to updating you with more Mariners in the community news soon!
