St Ives Football Club Partners With Central Coast Mariners

St Ives Football Club has announced a partnership with the Central Coast Mariners to create a Centre of Excellence Academy for aspiring young North Shore soccer players. The new program for 2011 will provide boys and girls in the Under 8 to Under 12 grades with access to high level training and skill development programs.

The agreement also means that every child registered with St Ives Football Club in the U8 – U12 age groups will have access to a reduced fee for entry into the program. Newly signed Principal Sponsor, Ray White Gordon/St Ives, will assist with funds to part subsidise the cost of development for identified talented players who participate in the program. Club juniors outside of the U8 – U12 age groups will enjoy discounted entry to Mariners holiday camps and free entry to Mariners home games.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with the Central Coast Mariners,” said Dale Catzel, Co-ordinator of the Centre of Excellence Academy at St Ives Football Club. “Each age group will be independently graded by Mariners coaching staff to ensure that the best candidates are selected. The new programs have been designed to develop the potential of kids on the North Shore who love to play soccer and turn them into Australia’s footballers of tomorrow.”

Coaches will also benefit from the program with education to increase their skills, ensuring that the level of training and coaching continues to improve.

A registration weekend is being held on 5th and 6th February at St Ives Village Shopping Centre between 9am and 4pm. Or register for the new season online at www.stivesfootball.com.au. All players both male and female from all age groups (Under 6 to Over 45) are welcome to register.

“The club is all about participation and enjoyment, so we welcome players of all levels,” said Dale.

The new season starts on the first weekend in April, with grading and trials starting in mid February.