The A-League team, Central Coast Mariners have signed a partnership with the renowned Portuguese football club, Portimonense SAD.
The goal of this agreement is to advance both clubs’ youth development programmes and the Mariners’ and Portimonense’s overall growth.
Through the partnership, the Mariners will have access to great players from Portimonense SAD to bolster the squad, while exceptional players from the Central Coast will have the opportunity to play in Portugal’s first division, one of the best leagues in Europe.
To help both teams in their respective divisions and assist the players in continuing their football development, this has already started with the loan signing of Ronald Barcellos, which was revealed last Saturday.
Matt Simon, Director, Central Coast Mariners, stated, “To be able to work closely with a club of Portimonense’s pedigree is extremely exciting and an opportunity that we are greatly looking forward to. We are clubs who see youth development as extremely important and to be able to work together on this will only benefit us both.”
Richard Peil, Chairman of Central Coast Mariners, commented, “We’d love to own a network of clubs to be able to help players progress their careers and maximise their value, but that is just not realistic. This is the next best thing. The relationship with Portimonense is an important step in our progression to becoming a self-funding football club.”
The Mariners are currently standing in the third position of the points table with 24 points which includes seven wins, three draws, and four losses.
The Mariners will play their next encounter against Adelaide United FC on Saturday, February 3.