The Central Coast Mariners and Marsden State High School have established a relationship that will offer a solid, long-term route with growth possibilities for players and coaching personnel.
Marsden State High School and the Mariners will work together as part of the agreement to create a boys’ and girls’ talent development pathway for the Southern Queensland-based club.
In accordance with the agreement, Central Coast Mariners talent identification programmes will be run at Marsden State High School in South Queensland with the goal of identifying young football talent.
Through professional development opportunities at the school, the collaboration will support club employees in addition to helping to provide a pathway for Marsden State High School students to the Mariners Academy.
“Marsden State High School has a rich culture of producing and nurturing high performing athletes across our various sporting excellence programs,” Marsden State High School Associate Principal Sean Curtis said via press release.
“We are the largest secondary school in Australia with over 90 different nations represented across our student body. After visiting Central Coast Mariners last month, it was clear they shared similar values to us and partnering with the number one Academy in Asia is just another example of the superior opportunities we thrive to provide for our students, staff and community.”
Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon noted the significant opportunity for fostering new talent.
“This partnership with Marsden State High School is an exciting opportunity for us as a club to continue to expand our network as we look to identify and help develop the next generation of Australian football talent,” he added via media release.
“We are delighted to be partnering with a school that has the pedigree of producing athletes that Marsden State High does, and we look forward to working with them on delivering pathways and development opportunities for everyone involved.”
Marsden State High School Football Coordinator Graham Fyfe will also be at the forefront of ensuring young players get the best possible experience.
“Working directly alongside the staff of Central Coast Mariners, who are considered among the best in the country, will be an invaluable experience for the staff of the Marsden State High School Football Excellence Program,” he added via press release.
“They can learn from the expertise and knowledge of the club’s coaching staff, sports scientists, and other personnel who are involved in the daily operations of a professional football team.”
“This, in turn, enables them to provide an even higher level of guidance and mentorship to the students and players within the Marsden State High School Football Excellence Program.”
The partnership sees the Mariners give back to the community and help grow the next generation of footballers in the country, signifying the importance of youth development in the country.
