Central Coast United joins with local A-Leagues side to develop talent in the region

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Central Coast Mariners and Central Coast United have announced an official collaboration with the shared goal of nurturing local football talent and ensuring a pathway for local stars to shine on the national and global stage.

The Mariners already have a reputation for being one of the most successful football academies in Australia and will now continue to develop talent from Central Coast United as they have done so for the six years since United’s inception.

Over 100 players have moved from Central Coast United to the Central Coast Mariners academy and this official partnership signifies a commitment to creating the best possible environment for up-and-coming footballers in the Central Coast region.

Central Coast United currently act as the feeder club for the Mariners, bridging the gap between grassroots football and a chance to play elite level professional football.

From U9s to U18s, Central Coast Mariners Academy and Central Coast United will be conducting joint open trials for Youth Boys, resulting in one of three possible pathways for players:

  1. Central Coast Mariners Academy
  2. Central Coast United
  3. Foundation Program

The Central Coast Mariners will continue to run and operate the Girls SAP and Youth Girl’s Academy programs for local aspiring female footballers on the Central Coast, a goal outlined in their 2023/24 season plan on their website.

A key factor in this partnership is improving players’ journeys and giving them a second chance. The partnership aims to create an environment where players who narrowly miss out on Central Coast Mariners’ selection can develop further at  Central Coast United or the foundation program in hopes to have another crack at it the next year.

Not only does this create a happier, less stressful academy system for the young prospects but it also allows the Mariners to monitor these players yearly and ensure they don’t miss out on any top talents.

Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon expressed his excitement for what the partnership brings for the future of Central Coast football.

“The Central Coast Mariners are committed to creating a pathway for all kids on the Central Coast and are proud to reaffirm this with a formal partnership with Central Coast United,” he said in a club press release.

“This partnership will enable all kids on the Coast to have a clear pathway to the Mariners Academy and this has been proven over the years to be one of the best pathway relationships in the country.”

Central Coast United General Manager Matt Crowell is also pleased to join officially with the Central Coast Mariners, a move that has been in the making for a few years.

“We are delighted to formally announce a partnership with the Central Coast Mariners. To have a professional football club in our region where local boys and girls have an opportunity to become professional footballers is incredibly special,” Crowell added via Mariners press release.

“For us to give our players this pathway to potentially reach the very top is something we support one hundred percent. Between CCM, CCU, CCSC, CCF and all the local clubs, I think football on the Coast is in a great place.”

Building this foundation with Central Coast United allows footballers in the Central Coast region to have a clear pathway into the professional game, whilst also providing an environment that allows them multiple chances to make it. The reigning A-League Men’s champions are making an intelligent move in building a stable foundation for their future which could contribute to even more success for the club.

Friedkin Group to acquire majority stake in Everton

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Image credit: Everton FC Instagram

The Friedkin Group has reached an agreement to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority 94% stake in Everton. The deal is subject to regulatory approval from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority.

It is believed to be worth in excess of $770 million, leaving Moshiri with little return on his substantial investment.

The US-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma. He has a net worth of $11bn AUD according to Forbes thanks to The Friedkin Group, which was founded by his father, Thomas H. Friedkin.

Everton would become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership, joining the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

The deal would bring to a conclusion the damaging Moshiri reign. The British-Iranian businessman has invested more than $1445 million in the club since 2016, but many supporters have been deeply unhappy about his ownership because of its failure to hit successful transfers and its enormous debt which lead to points deductions in 2023/24.

Last season they were deducted points twice, amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process, for breaching Premier League financial rules on the level of losses clubs are allowed to make.

Everton, who have not played outside the top flight during the Premier League era, had been toying with relegation under Frank Lampard and current manager Sean Dyche, finishing in the bottom half. They started the season on only one win after six and it suggests they will spend a fourth season near the drop zone.

The Friedkin Group had agreed a deal in principle to purchase current owner Moshiri’s 94% stake in June but talks were called off a month later after the two parties failed to finalise an agreement.

That followed Miami-based 777 Partners being unable to a complete a deal earlier this year which Everton is probably fortunate to hear considering the toxicity around how they have run Standard Liege and Hertha BSC into a tough position.

In June, it was said that Friedkin hinted that he wanted Roma and Everton to sit at the top of a multi-club model, something that The Friedkin Group has yet to experiment.

Everton’s appeal to the Friedkin Group was said to be based on the club’s history, fanbase and the new stadium being built on Bramley-Moore Dock which will be used from the start of the 2025/26 season onwards.

The group in a statement said they remain fully committed to Roma and has no concerns regarding the two clubs co-existing under UEFA rules.

The Friedkin Group assumed control of Italian side Roma in 2020 and guided the club to Europa Conference League success under Jose Mourinho in 2022.

However, this success was short lived, sacking Mourinho only 10 months later before Daniele De Rossi’s short reign has the club in an awkward position in the Serie A.

After some shaky managerial appointments and sackings for AS Roma, Sean Dyche’s future also looks to be in a perilous position if he fails to turn the results around before the new year.

The Friedkin Group released a statement regarding the takeover agreement and their plans to stabilise the club.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction,” a spokesperson for the Friedkin Group said in a statement last week.

“We look forward to providing stability to the club and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”

Overall, this is fantastic news for Everton and its fanbase who were long overdue some clarity around the dark situation of their ownership.

The Friedkin Group are willing to overlook the huge stadium debt and inconsistent league results in an attempt to bring one of England’s oldest clubs back to its former glory which saw them win 9 Division One titles and 3 FA Cups.

The group will lead Everton through its new era, right before they permanently leave Goodison Park and enter the 53,000 capacity Bramley-Moore Dock which should increase the club’s revenue and bring a fresh feel to the club.

Melbourne Victory secures new sponsorship deal with Ferraro Dairy

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory Facebook page

Melbourne Victory Football Club has confirmed a new collaboration with Ferraro Dairy. Under the terms of the agreement, Ferraro Dairy’s brand will be prominently displayed on the back of the shorts for both the A-League Men’s team and Academy teams for the next two seasons.

Ferraro Dairy is an Australian family-owned dairy for 50 years, based in Tullamarine. They pride themselves on high-standard dairy products from Australian produce.

The two-season partnership represents a strategic move for both organisations, combining the prestige of one of Australia’s premier football clubs with a respected name in the dairy industry. By extending the branding to both senior and academy levels, the partnership shows a comprehensive approach to team sponsorship.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the alignment between the two organisations.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Ferraro Dairy on our Men’s kit for the next two seasons and excited to have them along for our journey,” she said via press release.

“Ferraro Dairy is a proud local business that strives for a common goal in driving high standards and delivering a premium product for its loyal clientele.

“We’re thrilled to kick off our partnership with Ferraro Dairy as we head into our 20th season as a Club.”

Ferraro Dairy General Manager, Brad Ferraro echoed the sentiment of excitement about the new partnership.

“It’s an honour to partner with a Club like Melbourne Victory in its historic 20th season and we’re proud to be featured on its iconic kit, we’re excited to be part of their journey and share in the success both on and off the field over the next two years,” Ferraro said via press release.

As Melbourne Victory continues to strengthen its commercial portfolio its partnership with an Australian-based family business, with Ferraro Dairy further solidifies its position as a supporter of local businesses.

This commitment suggests a strong foundation for what both parties hope will be a mutually beneficial relationship.

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