THREE MORE TRIALS FOR MARINERS

[DJ]

THREE MORE TRIALS FOR MARINERS

The Central Coast Mariners today announced that they will play off against a host of NSW State League opposition in the lead up to their third Hyundai A-League campaign.

The Mariners’ first match of their newly announced fixtures will be against NSW Division 1 outfit Spirit FC, formerly known as the Gladesville Spirit, on Wednesday, 13 June. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Spirit FC have met the Mariners on two occasions previously and were the Central Coast’s first ever competitive opponents, having hosted the Mariners for their inaugural trial match on 30 March, 2005 – a match that was won 3-0 by the visitors.

The Mariners again travelled to Spirit FC’s Christie Park home in 2006, where they recorded another comprehensive win – 4-1, with three goals coming from 2006/07 Mariners Golden Boot winner Adam Kwasnik.


The Mariners Academy squad for 17 and 18-year-olds will make their first competitive appearance in the lead up to the main game, when they take on Spirit FC’s youth selection in a curtain raiser fixture that will kick off at 5.30pm.



Following the Mariners’ visit to Christie Park, Lawrie McKinna’s charges will face NSW Premier League side Manly United at Cromer Park on Tuesday, 19 June. Kick off is at 7pm.

Mariners attacker John Hutchinson and captain Alex Wilkinson both have experience with the north shore club, having worn Manly colours as recently as 2005.

The Mariners have encountered Manly United once previously – playing out a 3-3 draw at Cromer Park on the eve of their Club World Championships qualification campaign in April 2005.

Finally, the Mariners will travel to the nation’s capital for the first time in their short history to take on ACT Premier League favourites Belconnen United on Saturday, 30 June. Kick off is at 3pm.

"There are several positive outcomes that arise from matches such as these," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"These include, the cementing of strong relationships between the various associations and the Mariners, with a particular view to enhancing the talent development and identification programs within those structures.

"Further, there are the obvious benefits of highlighting to external markets the tremendous potential of the Central Coast as a region, whether talking in the context of business development, tourism or simply lifestyle for example.

"Quality pre-season fixtures are integral to our preparations for season three and we thank Spirit FC, Manly United and Belconnen United for providing us with an opportunity to trial new methods, new ideas and new players ahead of the 2007/08 season."


Prior to the three aforementioned matches, the Mariners will take on a local selection in the third annual Central Coast Football Charity Plate at Pluim Park on Saturday, 9 June. Kick off is at 5pm.

MARINERS PRE-SEASON TRIAL MATCH PROGRAM

Central Coast Mariners versus Central Coast Select
Pluim Park, Lisarow
Saturday, 9 June
Kick off 5pm

Central Coast Mariners versus Spirit FC
Christie Park
Wednesday, 13 June
Kick off 7.45pm

Central Coast Mariners versus Manly United
Cromer Park
Tuesday, 19 June
Kick off 7pm

Central Coast Mariners versus Belconnen United
Belconnen Soccer Centre
Saturday, 30 June
Kick off 3pm

[Yellowbeard]

Belconnon game is very very tempting!

[dru]

Yes! ;D more mad dashes down the freeway for trial games.

I don't think I'd make Manly by 7 so it might just be the spirit game for me.

I wish they would make the Canberra games at night so we could at least have a full day at the snow before turning up for the game.

[omni]

I should certainly make both Sydney games, a maybe for Belconnen.

[Rubbernose]

The Mariners Academy squad for 17 and 18-year-olds will make their first competitive appearance in the lead up to the main game, when they take on Spirit FC’s youth selection in a curtain raiser fixture that will kick off at 5.30pm.

Hey, this may be a dumb question, but can someone fill me in on this Mariners Academy Squad?

I read something about it somewhere else, recently, dunno where, but I must have missed a thread on it around here?

[brett]

rubbernose said:

The Mariners Academy squad for 17 and 18-year-olds will make their first competitive appearance in the lead up to the main game, when they take on Spirit FC’s youth selection in a curtain raiser fixture that will kick off at 5.30pm.

Hey, this may be a dumb question, but can someone fill me in on this Mariners Academy Squad?

I read something about it somewhere else, recently, dunno where, but I must have missed a thread on it around here?

You can trawl around for snippets but you haven't missed something major.

Fact is not much has really been publicised about it. No squad lists or who exactly is involved. Some people know with friends in the squad, but other than that there isn't a lot of info.

[charger]

Mariners Academy is coached by Tony Vidmar, Alex Tobin & John McLafferty. Stewart Petrie was involved earlier but has moved on. I'm not exactly sure about the squad numbers but there are roughly 3 boys from the lightning u20's, about 8 from the lightning u18's & a couple of club players who play 1st grade Mens.

[charger]

Apologies for the above post, it seems that my info is out of date.
There are players from Spirit, Manly, Blacktown & Swansea as well and only 1 club player.

[DBoon21]

A-League side to play Belconnen
By Matt Grayson
343 words
25 April 2007
Canberra Times
21
English
(c) 2007 The Canberra Times

A handful of ACT soccer players will get an opportunity of a lifetime when Belconnen United plays A-League side the Central Coast Mariners on June 30. The match will be played at Belconnen Soccer Centre and is part of a proposed agreement between the clubs. Under the agreement it is expected United will send promising players to train with the A-League side. In return the Mariners will stage a ''Canberra Day'', in which United will play a curtain-raiser to an A-League match at Bluetongue Stadium. Belconnen United coach Steve Forshaw said the relationship would give the region a link to the A-League. ''It's a relationship obviously established through football and we're hoping in terms of the local football community there will be an access and a relationship with the A-League through the Central Coast in the absence of our own franchise,'' he said. Forshaw said the match was an opportunity to test the strength of local talent.

''I think it's probably one of the biggest soccer events Canberra's likely to see in 2007,'' he said. ''I understand there's a pre- season cup in the A-League scheduled to be played in Canberra at the end of July and that the Central Coast will be involved in that against Sydney FC. ''But that's two A-League sides coming down in their pre-seasons to play each other, where this is about local talent being asked to pit its wits against the highest form of football. ''In terms of being competitive we can see where we really are, but it also sets us on the path towards realising what we might need to do to have our own A-League franchise.'' The Mariners will host a public training session on Saturday morning before the game with junior coaching clinics likely to be organised on Sunday. Officials are discussing the possibility of coach Lawrie McKinna speaking to other coaches about his experience as manager.

[marinermick]

Coupled the article you posted in the other thread it makes for interesting reading.

Both Sydney and the Mariners going for the same market.

Again the Mariners are being smart and dealing with clubs instead of associations.

[mariners4ever]

dboon21 said:

Under the agreement it is expected United will send promising players to train with the A-League side. In return the Mariners will stage a ''Canberra Day'', in which United will play a curtain-raiser to an A-League match at Bluetongue Stadium.

yes finally a proper curtain raiser to an A- league game at blue tongue

[dru]

mariners4ever said:

dboon21 said:

Under the agreement it is expected United will send promising players to train with the A-League side. In return the Mariners will stage a ''Canberra Day'', in which United will play a curtain-raiser to an A-League match at Bluetongue Stadium.

yes finally a proper curtain raiser to an A- league game at blue tongue

I don't know I think the Matildas vs China was a fairly good one.

[mariners4ever]

yeh thanks thats a good point but i was thinking of all the charity games and the ones where they made the crowd sit there and wait for the players to come out and train

[Rowdy]

As for Belconnen BD's playing a 'curtain raiser' (CR) before an official match, it would be good imo if it were against Central Coast Lightning or a Central Coast Select side (who will be playing the Mariners in June).

Belconnen BD's used to be a part of the NSW Prem. League, visiting our Pluim Park twice a season when the Coast had a team in the Prem. League.

Now that Football NSW, through it's lack of vision, effectively shut both 'Us' and the BD's out of the NSW Prem. League competition, and it would be an even contest between 2 old foes.

Secondly it would generate more interest from the Central Coast public with greater numbers through the turnstiles, especially if this curtain raiser advertised heavily that it featured 'a' local based Rep side CCL/CCSelct, who in turn get to see an additional game, HAL, which again features more of the Central Coast in the Mariners.

Thirdly, by having CCL or CCS play the BD's, it provides the same opportunity to Central Coast based players that the Belconnen Club are seeking for their players. (read the post above where it states "in return the Mariners will stage the 'Canberra Day' as part of the agreement)

I believe that Belconnens motive for that is pure and simple, that is have their players be 'SEEN' by either the Mariners or whichever HAL team we face on the day. So why not have CCL or CCS players also afforded the opportunity to be seen by CCM , Syd FC, Victory or what ever HAL team is there on the night.

Wouldn't it be great if CC players like say Neil Woodcock or Xavier Fosberg were scouted, from this game, to another A-League Club, if only for the fact that there was no more room left at CCM

[DJ]

I have been contacted by Belconnen FC and was asked how many Marinators are thinking of heading down for the match on June 30?

At this stage I advised "no idea" but they are keen to arrange a package deal for us which would include travel, accomodation and game entry. At this stage I don't have any ideas about cost, I'm only getting a feel for interest, so if you could let me know that would be great. Plus if people can spread the word that we are getting interest for this I would appreciate it.

Cheers

[marinermick]

I would be interested in a day trip only as I have football the next day.

Big re-match against Kincumber!

[brett]

djgrounsell said:

I have been contacted by Belconnen FC and was asked how many Marinators are thinking of heading down for the match on June 30?

At this stage I advised "no idea" but they are keen to arrange a package deal for us which would include travel, accomodation and game entry. At this stage I don't have any ideas about cost, I'm only getting a feel for interest, so if you could let me know that would be great. Plus if people can spread the word that we are getting interest for this I would appreciate it.

Cheers

Very interesting. Definitely interested.

[omni]

Depending on cost, I'd more prefer a daytrip though, but whatever can be arranged, I'm partially interested.