The Illustrious Central Coast Mariners Academy sent their U13 Female team on the four-hour drive down South to compete in their debut Kanga Cup Tournament. The club from Gosford has had an incredible 12-months with their men’s professional squad capturing their second straight A-League championship and the Women’s team entering the W-League again after a 13-year hiatus also making the finals series in their first year back.
Despite historically not having the funds at their disposal compared to other professional teams in Australia, the Mariners are constantly credited for their commitment towards promoting and building their youth which has ultimately shown a betterment in overall performance, throughout all sides.
“I love it here, it’s a great club not just because of the recent success we’ve had but it’s also a great local club,” said Gerrard Ivins, coach of the Mariners U13 Female Cup champions. “There’s a lot of love on the Central Coast for the Mariners and it’s a massive chance for our local girls and boys as there’s a genuine pathway there for their football.”
The trip to Canberra was highly beneficial for Ivins squad and the whole club in general as strong relationships have been formed with other local teams. The girls also grew closer as the week went on, developing as people and players with their first experience of knockout football.
“The girls have had a great week, we’ve always heard good things about Kanga Cup, so it’s been great to test it and play against teams that we’ve never played before,” Ivins commented. “We’ve actually formed a couple really good connections with some of the local clubs that will hopefully lead into some pre-season activity and games as well.”
“I think the spirit in which the games have been played has been very good as everyone’s been here to obviously play some great football, but also have a good time and that’s what we have done, tournaments are great and it sets up a big football experience memory for them.”
“We got a text message from another coach this morning wishing us luck and saying the girls weren’t just technically great but also generally a good group of people,” added Ivins. “I want these girls to form relationships and connections because this tournament goes past just what happens on the pitch and it’s a great bonding experience.”
The team had an enthralling campaign, winning the Cup competition without conceding a single goal and going undefeated in the process. They slotted 44 into their opponent’s nets’, beating Northbridge Bulls 3-0 in the Grand Final who are partnered with fellow A-League club Macarthur FC.
Whilst delivering immense performances on the field, The Mariners academy possess both a winning and supportive community culture.
“The goal was to win, so it’s kind of nice to have it but the expectations were to come down and do their best against unfamiliar teams,” stated Ivins. “The families are also really supportive in coming down and there’s a really good culture in terms of wanting the girls to do their best in football but also grow as young women in this game.”
The team will be hoping to carry this amazing and dominant Kanga Cup form into their domestic Football NSW SAP competition.
Words: William Rumgay
