Mariners push to expand fanbase
The iconic multi-purpose sports Ground, home to one of the oldest cricket pitches in Australia, will be home to it’s first A-League match this Christmas.
On Thursday 19th December, Central Coast Mariners will host Wellington Phoenix.
The aim behind the venture is to increase the Mariners fanbase in North Sydney.
Speaking to Football Australia,Mariners Majority Owner Michael Charlesworth said: “Football is the participation sport of choice in Sydney’s northern suburbs with tens of thousands of active male and female players.
“We want to connect emotionally with football fans who are not already aligned with the Mariners to build on the fantastic supporter base that is already alive in the area.
“Historically we have worked closely with Football Associations north of the Harbour Bridge and we will be re-energising these relationships over the coming months as we bid to engage North Shore locals with our Club prior to, during and following the game against the Phoenix.”
With as many as one in five Mariner fans coming from North Sydney,Charlesworth explains why the Champions are so focussed on bringing their game to the area..
The Oval is home to Cricket, Rugby League and Rugby Union, as well as occasional Australian Rules football
“With 20 per cent of our Members living in the Sydney’s northern suburbs we already regard the region as an extension of Mariner territory.
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We want to encourage even more supporters from the area to routinely make the short trip up the freeway to see our Champion team in action. To show them what we’re about, we’ve decided to take a game to them.”