“The Mariners really are a community club,” the MasterChef winner said.

“We’ve got young fellas coming in and I feel as if we try to take them under our wing a little bit. To support them and get to know them as they play with us, and watch them grow and develop.”

The Mariners have grown a sterling reputation this season for their work off the field, developing a strong community ethos around the club to offset their recent struggles on the pitch.

It’s little surprise to see a public figure like Goodwin representing the Mariners. The chef represents a target audience for the Central Coast club – mothers, kids and families with a diehard support for a regional sporting team.

It’s a stark contrast to the more metropolitan, primarily younger men that the Mariners’ next opponents, Western Sydney Wanderers, have been so successful in attracting to their club.

But it’s an approach that’s seen the Mariners slightly increase their average attendance this season, despite another mixed campaign.

“The number of little kids that turn up and have the jerseys on – these guys are heroes to these little kids,” Goodwin said.

“It encourages the kids to get out, kick a ball, get some fresh air and get them off the couch!

“It couldn’t be better.”