Mariners strengthen Capital ties

Petrovski and Elrich joined up with Mariners team-mate and Australian Institute of Sport resident Andrew Redmayne and were an instant hit on a day of celebration for the grassroots club of over 2,000 members, who each relished the opportunity to meet and greet the Mariners trio.
After captivating a new legion of fans decked out in yellow and navy, Petrovski and Elrich then tried their hand at coaching, going head to head from the bench in a celebrity match played in front of the new clubhouse.
“The day was made extra special for all involved by the Central Coast Mariners accepting an invite to take part,” said Woden Valley Soccer Club President Alan Hinde.
“The kids and adults alike thought the players were great and it was brilliant to have the guys involved in the match too, I?m sure their expertise helped the players out!
“All involved in the day from Woden Valley Soccer Club, and those who were there are sure that the good nature and generous help of the Central Coast Mariners? Hyundai A-League stars have secured many new Mariners fans from the ACT for the future.
“We hope that the relationship between all grassroots football in Canberra and the Central Coast Mariners continues to flourish and grow.”
The whole weekend was a great opportunity for the Mariners to strengthen ties with the Canberra community and Capital Football, who are one of seven associations to have formalised a partnership with the Mariners, which will most notably benefit the region?s emerging football prospects.
As such, players Elrich and Petrovski were not the only Mariners in attendance at the capital over the course of the weekend, with Football Manager Lawrie McKinna also making the trip south to check out the best of the ACT?s youth talent as potential recruits for the inaugural National Youth League campaign.
McKinna watched players from the ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) go through their paces and was impressed with the display.
“The boys at ACTAS are quite good, there is one in the Qantas Joeys (Under 17?s) squad and a couple more that might go on to the AIS,” said McKinna.
“We have twelve spots we need to fill in our National Youth League squad and we will be looking at the ACT youth prospects to be part of that mix.”
The visit by McKinna, Petrovski and Elrich came on the back of a recent announcement that the Central Coast Mariners will play two trial games in late June in the ACT ? against Belconnen United on Wednesday, 25 June and against the ACT Rockets on Friday, 27 June.
The Mariners continue their pre-season trial match program against reigning NSW State League 1 Champions Spirit FC at Christie Park on Wednesday, 28 May. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
By Miles Allen-Scott