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Everton FC form intriguing loanee partnership with Australian A-League side

Everton Football Club has announced an association with Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners which will involve a player-loan programme to benefit players from the Club’s Under-21 development squad.

The fledgling affiliation, established also to advance the New South Wales-based Mariners’ ambitions in the Hyundai A-League, has been facilitated by Joe Royle, in his role assisting in the final phase of player development, and Peter Storrie on behalf of the Mariners.

Each season Everton will identify players from the Under-21 development squad whom Development Co-ordinator Royle, along with manager Roberto Martinez, believe will benefit from the experience of a season of first-team football on loan with the Mariners.

The A-League has grown significantly since its formation 10 years ago and, as it develops, the association will enhance the Mariners’ profile and help in its ongoing aspiration to be an attractive club for young players to join and fully develop their talent.

Everton will not only be able to assist the Mariners with the progression of their young players on the Central Coast but, with the strength of the A-League improving each year, the opportunity to work with talented young Australian players directly may be enhanced.

The School of Science boasts an Under-21 Academy and Development programme which is renowned as one of the most successful in England and this association will include visits by both clubs to view coaching and training methods with mutually beneficial potential.

Martinez said: “This is a very exciting initiative and relationship and we look forward very much to exploring and implementing the plans we have to make maximum advantage out of this association.”

Royle added: “We have a long association with Australian players here at Everton. As far back as the 1960s I played with Dennis Yaager in the youth team, and all Evertonians will remember the contribution Tim Cahill made to the Club. This new venture is something we believe can benefit the Club greatly.”

Phil Moss, manager of the Mariners, added: “We are in a very exciting rebuilding phase for the Mariners and to be able to develop a relationship with a club like Everton is testament to what we are about as a club.

“There are clear synergies between the two clubs in their respective leagues and I am looking forward to forging what I know will be a long and fruitful relationship from a playing, coaching and brand-growing perspective.

“This is a truly big step forward for the Mariners and will help keep us at the forefront of helping develop the best young players in the Hyundai A-League.”

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