The Central Coast Mariners FC have established a Football Academy.
This is noteworthy because the Mariners have made a few trips to the ACT as part of their pre-season and there has been some hope that this connection might mean more than a few exhibition matches and visits to the nation's capitol. The Mariners Academy solution makes good sense, is a decision that works for Football among their constituency and is not unlike the Academies established by the big EPL Clubs and other big Clubs in other Premier Leagues around the world.
This is noteworthy because the Mariners have made a few trips to the ACT as part of their pre-season and there has been some hope that this connection might mean more than a few exhibition matches and visits to the nation's capitol. The Mariners Academy solution makes good sense, is a decision that works for Football among their constituency and is not unlike the Academies established by the big EPL Clubs and other big Clubs in other Premier Leagues around the world.
The important detail to note for us in the ACT is that this is a joint venture between the Central Coast Mariners and Central Coast Football. It does not include the Capital Football! That's no criticism of the Mariners - what they have done makes good A League business sense. But what a shame for the ACT.
Question - Have we missed another opportunity?
Here are some details (taken form the CCM press release) you will find very informative and leaves you in no doubt as to which Football constituency is being "developed" and "serviced" by this Academy:
"Central Coast Mariners together with Central Coast Football (CCF) have today penned an historic agreement that will help bolster the Yellow and Navy’s Hyundai A-League playing stocks for generations to come.
In an Australian football first, the Heads of Agreement signed this morning ensure that from October 1 this year, CCF’s representative Youth League programs will be integrated into and form a key component of the Mariners ambitious Academy initiatives.
Under the Central Coast Mariners brand the program will be the sole elite football Academy in the region, providing high-level training and playing opportunities to both male and female footballers.
Indeed, in its initial stages the Academy will consist of U-11 to U-18 male teams, and U-12 to senior female sides competing at the highest level permitted by Football New South Wales...."
"...Under the terms of the agreement, CCF will provide the budding Mariners with access to Pluim Park, Lisarow for all representative games. Additionally, access to Jubilee Oval, Long Jetty and Leagues Club Park, Gosford for all of the Academy’s training and playing requirements will be supplied.
In return, the agreement is underpinned by the Mariners guarantee that 80 per cent of all players in the representative programs will be Central Coast residents, ensuring that a transparent development pathway from the junior to the elite level of football in the region is created...."
There is no A League franchise in prospect for the ACT. That's been known for quite a while.
The next best and perhaps most achievable option is an A League Youth League team based in the ACT. But there seems to be little movement on the youth league front. As many observe, that leaves the Under 17 to Under 20 age groups without a viable and coherent Football development pathway. In these circumstances, entry to an A League Youth team, any A league Youth team, is more remote both by distance and opportunity that is was yesterday.
The announcement of the establishment of the Mariners Academy, with the collaboration / participation of the Central Coast Football (CCF), which guarantee's "..that 80 per cent of all players in the representative programs will be Central Coast residents..", makes it so much harder for talented young players from the ACT region. There is no mention of any percentage reserved for ACT players, but perhaps someone can work on that possibility.
In an Australian football first, the Heads of Agreement signed this morning ensure that from October 1 this year, CCF’s representative Youth League programs will be integrated into and form a key component of the Mariners ambitious Academy initiatives.
Under the Central Coast Mariners brand the program will be the sole elite football Academy in the region, providing high-level training and playing opportunities to both male and female footballers.
Indeed, in its initial stages the Academy will consist of U-11 to U-18 male teams, and U-12 to senior female sides competing at the highest level permitted by Football New South Wales...."
"...Under the terms of the agreement, CCF will provide the budding Mariners with access to Pluim Park, Lisarow for all representative games. Additionally, access to Jubilee Oval, Long Jetty and Leagues Club Park, Gosford for all of the Academy’s training and playing requirements will be supplied.
In return, the agreement is underpinned by the Mariners guarantee that 80 per cent of all players in the representative programs will be Central Coast residents, ensuring that a transparent development pathway from the junior to the elite level of football in the region is created...."
There is no A League franchise in prospect for the ACT. That's been known for quite a while.
The next best and perhaps most achievable option is an A League Youth League team based in the ACT. But there seems to be little movement on the youth league front. As many observe, that leaves the Under 17 to Under 20 age groups without a viable and coherent Football development pathway. In these circumstances, entry to an A League Youth team, any A league Youth team, is more remote both by distance and opportunity that is was yesterday.
The announcement of the establishment of the Mariners Academy, with the collaboration / participation of the Central Coast Football (CCF), which guarantee's "..that 80 per cent of all players in the representative programs will be Central Coast residents..", makes it so much harder for talented young players from the ACT region. There is no mention of any percentage reserved for ACT players, but perhaps someone can work on that possibility.
The game is moving on and the further it gets along the development road, the more likely we seem to be a risk of being left stranded on this matter - options close.
The President of Capital Football made it very clear in her interview with the NPL, that the development issues for the talented Mens U17 to U20 development opportunities, is a top priority. I have no reason to doubt it. This is not a simple CF operational issue. It will require the consideration and creative thinking of the Capital Football Board. We cannot spend much more time admiring the problem. The game is moving on.
Here is the the Central Coast Mariners FC Academy Vision:
"The primary aim of the Central Coast Mariners FC Academy is to provide a clear and structured pathway towards our National Youth League and Westfield Women’s League programs. Whether or not the ‘dream’ is fulfilled, every player needs to look back fondly on life at the Academy, and feel that the experience was a positive one."
The Mariners are recruiting Coaching staff. The specifications for the positions make interesting reading
Central Coast Mariners FC Academy
Coach Position Description
Boys Positions: 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 18
Girls Positions: 12 – 14 – 16 – Senior Reserves – Senior Women
Applications will close on Tuesday 2nd August with interviews to be conducted thereafter.
Qualifications
• Minimum FFA Youth Licence required - AFC C-Licence or FFA Senior Licence preferred
Key Duties
• Conduct the program in line with the FFA National Curriculum and CCM development objectives
• Attend selection trials and liaise with the CCMFCA Management regarding selection policy and preparation
• Prepare and implement high performance training programs for all players in the team.
• Liaise with individual squad members relating to their performance in:
- Training
- Competition
- Conduct
• Prepare player profiles and provide individual player feedback as required
Issues and Challenges
• Ensure a direction and focus on the development of players above competition results• Maintain effective communications, both within the sport and outside of the sport
• Understand and respond to the differing needs of the players and Academy staff
• Contribute to the planning and evaluation of the Academy
Criteria for Position
• Demonstrated coaching experience with understanding of the FFA National Curriculum• Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Fit and capable of high level demonstration
• Well presented with capacity to display professional conduct at all times
Terms and Conditions
• All coaching positions are for 12 months• All coaches must commit to 3 training sessions per week, in season plus games
• All coaches must commit to providing written reports on all players
• Expenses package will be discussed with successful applicants