Central Coast Mariners team up with NSW Police to aid youth

The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that they are teaming up with the NSW Police and Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) NSW to deliver the Fit for Life program aiming to help young people across the state.

Fit for Life is an intervention program engaging youth aged between 10 to 17 at risk of poor choices and antisocial behaviour while aiming to improve overall well-being, promote a healthy lifestyle and divert young people from offending behaviours.

The program also focuses on linking physical, emotional and social well-being, nutrition and building resilience skills.

This partnership will see Mariner’s players, coaches and staff join these sessions at Bateau Bay, Morisset and Umina Beach PCYCs and Windale Public School once a month.

Superintendent Samuel Crisafulli, Youth Command, said the partnership with the Mariners will provide the youth with a new, safe and fun environment to develop and improve their well-being:

“NSW Police are dedicated to improving the lives of young people through engagement and empowering youth to make the right decisions with programs like Fit for Life,” he said in a media release on the Mariners’ website.

“I’d like to thank the Central Coast Mariners for joining us to help mentor young people across the Central Coast, and give them a sense of purpose, belonging and the tools they need to make good decisions.”

Ben Hobby, PCYC NSW Chief Executive Officer, showed his appreciation to all parties involved in the Fit for Life Program:

“Our collaboration with NSW Police and the Central Coast Mariners will be instrumental in continuing a positive, engaging program that inspires youth to lead healthier, more active lives,” he said in a media release on the Mariners’ website.

“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to fostering community well-being and providing young people with opportunities to thrive.”

Central Coast Mariners Men’s Head coach, Mark Jackson, said he is looking forward to taking part in this initiative to help youth across NSW:

“We’re excited to be part of the Fit for Life program and make a positive impact to the lives of young people on the Central Coast,” he said in a media release on the club’s website.

“Football has the power to inspire, and through our involvement, we hope to help people develop not just on the pitch but in life. Empowering them to make choices that lead to a bright future.”

Central Coast Mariner Women’s Head Coach, Emily Husband, added that the program will help the club strengthen their connection to the broader community:

“This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for our players and staff to connect with the community in a meaningful way,” she said in a media release on the club’s website.

“We believe in the power of sport to influence positive change. Engaging with these young people we hope to be part of their strong support system.”

For more information about the Fit for Life program, visit PCYC’s website.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend