The Central Coast Mariners women's team has secured its place in the upcoming A-League season, thanks to a takeover by the Holman Barnes Group (HBG). This development comes after the team faced uncertainty when it was excluded from a takeover deal involving English club Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) in June, which only benefited the men's team and the club's academy.

New Management and Future Plans

HBG, known for its majority stake in the National Rugby League's Wests Tigers, will now oversee the operations of the Mariners' women's team, including its coaches and staff. HBG chief executive Daniel Paton expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, "We're super excited we can make that happen." He emphasized the group's vision to create a sustainable and high-performance women's program on the Central Coast while fostering long-term development pathways for female footballers across New South Wales.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive news, Paton acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in securing sponsorships before the A-League season kicks off in October. "We're going into this without any sponsors at this stage," he noted, indicating the urgency of reaching out to the local community for support. He highlighted the necessity of quickly assembling resources, including team kits, for the first round of matches.

In a strategic move, most games are expected to be relocated from Central Coast Stadium in Gosford to a smaller venue nearby, although the team will remain based in the local area. Paton pointed out the potential for engagement with the local youth, referencing access to 16,000 boys and girls and two academies, which he sees as a natural progression for both the men's and women's programs within the A-League.

This new arrangement brings renewed certainty to the Mariners' women's team, ensuring its participation in the upcoming season and providing a foundation for future growth.