Central Coast Mariners team up with PCYC and NSW Government to inspire youth

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Coast Community
Image provided by Central Coast Community News

Central Coast Mariners are aiming to spread positivity in the community during the pre-season by engaging Australian football legend Andy Bernal to deepen the connections within and between the club and the community.

Bernal, one of the original Australian born English League and Spanish League players was at the PCYC in Umina to give a crew of youth a session of football, boxing and motivational talks.

“I’ve had a tough yet incredibly rewarding career in football and I’m passionate about helping young people build resistance and opportunities through sport,” the former Socceroo said via Central Coast Community News.

The Umina session was part of a new collaboration between the Mariners, The A-Leagues, PCYC and the NSW Government to motivate young people to find direction and follow their ambitions.

Bernal was born in Canberra to Spanish parents and found fellowship in football among other immigrant families. He quickly rose through the ranks and was scouted to the Spanish Albacete Balompié at the age of 18. He went on to play for both Reading, Sydney Olympic and Ipsitch Town among others. Post football he became a football agent and the personal manager of David Beckham.

The 21-time Socceroo (13 ‘A’ international caps, 8 ‘B’ international caps) Bernal has recently been engaged by the Central Coast Mariners.

New Mariners’ owner Richard Peil convinced him to join the coaching staff in a motivational role that head coach Nick Montgomery has dubbed the ‘Vibe Manager’.

“I brought Andy into the club for the same reason I brought Luke Wilshire (8th most capped Socceroo) and why I’m backing Monty,” Peil said via Central Coast Community News.

“Between them, they have over 1100 professional games, in England, Spain, Holland, Russia and Australia.

“In my view, there has been too little respect given to greats of the Australian game, especially the golden generation that Andy and Luke were part of.”

Peil is on a mission and has a plan to reconnect the Mariners with the community and to further build the Mariners Academy to become one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Over the next few years you will see more of our past best [players] be given opportunities to be involved and influence the development of our academy players at the Mariners.” Peil stated via Central Coast Community News.

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

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Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

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Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

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