In support of local charity 2GO’s Give Me 5 For Kids, entry to the Central Coast Mariners’ opening 2007 Pre-Season Cup match against the Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, 14 July will be free of charge, giving the entire community the chance to preview what their team has to offer in season 2007/08.

To signal the start of the Central Coast’s third Hyundai A-League campaign, the Mariners will be supporting local radio station 2GO in their annual Give Me 5 For Kids charity, by encouraging supporters attending the game to provide a gold coin donation at the game to support this outstanding local charity.

"We saw this as a great opportunity to support such a worthy cause," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

"The whole club is behind the event and it’s very rare in Australia to be able to put on a top class sporting event and open the gates.”

Admission to this match will be free and all seating will be unreserved so spectators are able to choose where they wish to sit anywhere around the stadium.

It is set to be a great family day with face painting, street theatre and 2GO broadcasting from inside Bluetongue Central Coast stadium from 3pm onwards.

Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna paid tribute to the Members who have already committed to the Mariners and is confident they will support this event to showcase football on the Central Coast for a good cause.

"The support of our Members already this year has been fantastic and we once again thank them for their true commitment to the club," said McKinna.

“We know our Members will get behind us for this one-off event as we try to raise valuable funds for the kids of this region and we can assure all Members that we’ve got a number of great incentives planned for them in the upcoming season.

“For those who have never seen the Mariners play, come along, support a great cause and see your team in action.”

The Wellington Phoenix are a new and exciting franchise in the Hyundai A-League, with the eyes of the Australian and New Zealand football community affixed to Gosford’s idyllic bayside home to witness how they will fair against arguably the strongest Mariners squad to date.

The Mariners’ open their 2007 Pre-Season Cup campaign at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium next Saturday, 14 July, against Hyundai A-League newcomers the Wellington Phoenix. Kick off is at 6pm, gates open at 5pm. Admission is free of charge, with all spectators encouraged to donate to local charity 2GO Give Me 5 For Kids at the gate.