Central Coast Mariners FC (women)
The Central Coast Mariners Football Club, also known as the Central Coast Mariners Women, represents the Central Coast Mariners in Australia's premier women's soccer competition, A-League Women.
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| Full name | Central Coast Mariners Football Club | |||
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| Nicknames | The Mariners, The Coast, The Marinettes | |||
| Founded | 2008 | |||
| Ground | Central Coast Stadium | |||
| Capacity | 20,059 | |||
| Chairman | Vacant | |||
| Manager | Kory Babington | |||
| League | A-League Women | |||
| 2025–26 | 7th of 11 | |||
| Website | ccmariners | |||
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The club previously participated in the W-League, for two seasons between 2008 and 2009. In July 2010 it was announced the team would not be compete in the 2010 W-League, due to a lack of funding.[1]
The club announced an intention to return to the A-League Women competition for the 2022–23 season,[2] which was subsequently postponed to 2023–24.[3]
The club won its first ever A-League Women championship in the 2024–25 season, defeating Melbourne Victory on penalties in the 2025 grand final, in what was regarded as a major upset[4][5] and a fairytale run.[6][7]
History
edit2008–09 season
editAs one of the 7 established Australian A-League clubs, the Central Coast Mariners Women was announced to coincide with the establishment of the new W-League.[8] In early September, Stephen Roche was appointed as the inaugural team coach.[9] In October 2008, the squad was announced and featured Matildas Kyah Simon, Lyndsay Glohe and Renee Rollason. As the club was funded by Football NSW and not the Mariners exclusively, the W-League outfit played home matches in Sydney's west at Parramatta Stadium and Campbelltown Stadium, which was an opportunity for the Mariners brand to spread into areas outside the Central Coast.[10]
Although the Mariners season got off to a bad start with a loss to the Melbourne Victory,[11] they soon found their feet to record back-to-back wins over Perth Glory[12] and Canberra United,[13] however, against Canberra, lost their first choice keeper Lisa Hartley after she fouled a Canberra United attacker and was shown a straight red card. The following three fixtures were all lost by the Mariners and failed to gain a point, including two back-to-back fixtures where the Mainers failed to score a goal. Those three fixtures were also at the Mariners' second home, Campbelltown Stadium, which proved to be the bogey ground for the Central Coast outfit as they failed to gain a single competition point from the venue.[14][15][16] However, in round 7, the Mariners responded with a 6–0 drubbing of Adelaide United, in Adelaide. That result would become the biggest team score and also the biggest win in the inaugural season by any team.[17] Unable to maintain the momentum, the Mariners again lost another two back-to-back fixtures without scoring a goal[18][19] and other results didn't go their way leading into the final round which meant a win against Melbourne Victory would not be enough to finish in the top 4 for the finals. The Mariners did win their final match for the regular season, almost ending Melbourne's finals hopes. The match was played in torrential rain, however, the Parramatta pitch held up as the Mariners put two late goals past the Victory shot stopper to win the match 2–0.[20] With the Mariners in fifth at the conclusion of the round 10 fixture, only a win by Sydney FC would put the Mariners into sixth and Melbourne into fifth. In a thrilling match, Sydney were up 3–0 within 28 minutes, but Adelaide United were not to be out done, with a thrilling finish that saw Adelaide score two mid-second-half goals, but could push for a third. Sydney defeated Adelaide 3–2 and attained the remaining finals spot.[21] That result confirming the Mariners' 6th position on the ladder, divided only by goal difference with the fifth placed Melbourne.
Kyah Simon, the leading goal scorer for the Mariners with 5, was only 2 goals short of the golden boot award which went eventually to Sydney's Leena Khamis. In a season that featured 4 wins and 6 losses from the 10 fixtures, the Mariners would be looking to improve on that for the next season.
2009 season
edit
After not making the finals in the inaugural season, many changes were to follow. Eleven players from season 1 did not have their contract re-newed with the Mariners. As a result, there were ten new signings for the new season. Five of which from Sydney FC Rachel Cooper; Jessica Seaman; Samantha Spackman; Kelly Golebiowski; Michelle Heyman, and three from the USA Jillian Loyden; Kendall Fletcher; Lydia Vandenbergh, with Caitlin Foord and Ashleigh Connor from the AIS and Illawarra Stingrays respectively.[22]
But the changes were to continue as the Mariners' would now play their home matches at the real home (men's senior and youth teams) of the Central Coast Mariners, then named Bluetongue Stadium. Other home matches were played at Canberra Stadium against Canberra (as a double-header with a Men's A-League fixture), and at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney as part of a W-League double-header.[23]
The new season started in the best possible fashion for the Mariners with a 3–1 victory over traditional rivals Sydney FC away at the Sydney Football Stadium. The derby fueled by the fact that all three goals from the Mariners were scored from former Sydney players – Kelly Golebiowski and a double by Michelle Heyman.[24] The Mariners continued their winning streak to a club record of 3 consecutive wins with a 2–0 victory over Adelaide at the Mariners first home game at Bluetongue Stadium in wet conditions. In a match dominated by the yellow and navy, goals were hard to come by, however the final 17 minutes produced the match winning goals from Trudy Camilleri and Ashleigh Connor, with the latter being a driven low shot from the edge of the 6-yard box.[25] The inaugural champions (Brisbane Roar) were the next opponents in a top of the table clash. In a tight affair the Roar dominated the possession and the shots at goal. Late in the second-half, the Roar scored the one and only goal of the match.[26] With a loss to the Roar, the Mariners were looking to get back on the score sheet and into the winners circle and that's just what they did against the near rivals Newcastle. The derby produced 6 goals with the Mariners 5–1 runaway winners. Lydia Vandenburgh scored with only 5 minutes gone. Michelle Heyman added another two and on the half-hour mark it was 3–0. A second-half penalty to Kendall Fletcher and a late goal from substitute Trudy Camilleri completed the Mariners scoring, but an 89th minute consolation goal to the Jets rounded off the scoring.[27]
Hiatus
editDue to lack of funding the Central Coast Mariners were forced to pull out of the 2010–11 W-League season.[28]
Return to the A-League
editThe Central Coast Mariners returned for the 2023–24 A-League Women season, with all home games to be played at Central Coast Stadium.[3] Their first fixture upon their return to the competition was against Newcastle Jets.
At the end of the 2023-2024 season, the Central Coast Mariners finished fifth and made the semi finals.
In their second season in the Ninja A-league, the women won the 2024–25 A-League Women Championship.
Colours and badge
editThe club colours are yellow and navy blue. The club badge depicts a yellow football at the centre of a wave.
Stadium
editThe club played home games at a number of locations, including Bluetongue Stadium (home of the Central Coast Mariners) as well as Parramatta Stadium, Campbelltown Stadium, Leichhardt Oval and Canberra Stadium.
As of 2023–24, the club plays all their home games at Central Coast Stadium, the same venue as the men's team.
Women's Academy games (FNSW League 1 and FNSW Youth League 2) are played at Pluim Park, Lisarow. Home of Central Coast Football.
Players
editFirst-team squad
edit- As of 3 February 2026
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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CCM Academy & Youth
edit- As of 13 April 2026
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Club officials
editManagement
edit| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman and Minority Owner |  TBC |
| Majority Owner | TBC |
| Chief Executive Officer | TBC |
| Advisory Director |
Technical staff
edit| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach (A-League) | Kory Babington |
| Assistant coach (A-League) | Oliver Bozanic |
| Assistant coach (A-League) | Sinead Coackley |
| Goalkeeper coach (A-League) |  Bailey Jordan |
| Team Manager (A-League) | Courtney Harper |
| Head coach (Women's Academy) | Cas Wright |
| Assistant Coach (Women's Academy) | Alisha Ingrey |
| Academy Coordinator (Women's Academy) | Nyah Small |
Honours
edit- A-League Women:
- Champions: 2024–25
- W-League Premiership:
- Runners-up: 2009
Records
edit- League victory:
- 6–0 v Adelaide United, 6 December 2008
- 6–0 v Adelaide United, 14 November 2009
- Top scorer:
- Michelle Heyman (11)
- Most appearances:
- Annalise RASMUSSEN (27)
- Peta TRIMIS (27)
Head to head record
| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide United | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | +14 |
| Brisbane Roar | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 9 | −9 |
| Canberra United | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 |
| Melbourne Victory | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 |
| Newcastle Jets | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 6 | +4 |
| Perth Glory | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 |
| Sydney FC | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 |
| Total | 21 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 39 | 28 | +11 |
See also
edit
References
edit- ↑ "Mariners Women's Team Axed". Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ↑ "Central Coast Mariners welcome W-League expansion news and confirm the club's intention to enter the competition in 2022/23". Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
- 1 2 "Central Coast Mariners confirm first signing after officially being accepted into Liberty A-League women's competition". Central Coast Mariners. 17 October 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ↑ "Mariners women make history with grand final win". 19 May 2025.
- ↑ "Cheeky press conference moment says it all as Mariners boss left 'speechless'". 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Once A-League outcasts, Central Coast Mariners chase grand final glory". 16 May 2025 – via www.abc.net.au.
- ↑ Lynch, Joey (18 May 2025). "Central Coast Mariners complete fairytale after A-League Women grand final shootout" – via The Guardian.
- ↑ "http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24089401-23215,00.html Archived 6 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine" W-League to debut in October
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=wleague_newsdisplay&id=23451 Archived 28 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine" Roche appointed Mariners' Westfield W-League coach
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2009." Mariners' Westfield W-League team unveiled
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=24405&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners women denied victory in Melbourne
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=24585&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Rollason double secures breakthrough win
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=24741&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners women produce capital performance
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=24882&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners women humbled by rampant Roar
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25037&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Derby despair for Mariners women
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25176&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners sunk in Westfield W-League goal feast
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25311&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Superb Mariners hit Reds for six
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25455&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners suffer capital punishment
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25625&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Mariners women suffer Queensland defeat
- ↑ "http://www.ccmariners.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=25754&pageid=2627[permanent dead link]" Inaugural campaign ends positively for Mariners
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 1 March 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2009." Sky Blues stay alive with W-League win over Adelaide
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2009." Mariners’ Westfield W-League team unveiled for 2009
- ↑ "Westfield W-League – 2009 Season Draw" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 November 2010. (43.4 KiB) Football Federation Australia, 31 July 2009. Retrieved on 8 August 2009.
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2009." Marvellous Mariners Women win season opener
- ↑ ""News Item". Archived from the original on 6 July 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2009." Mariners too good for Reds
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2009." Unlucky Mariners succumb to red-hot Roar
- ↑ ""News Display". Archived from the original on 7 November 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2009." Mariners too strong for Jets
- ↑ "Statement regarding Westfield W-League". Central Coast Mariners. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2010.