Central Coast Mariners have lodged an application with Football NSW to join the state's PS4 NPL competitions in 2016, announced the club on Monday.

If successful, the Mariners would commence the management and development of an elite football program for males and females on the Central Coast from the 2016 season onwards, said the club in a statement.

Within this program the club have lodged an application for a Skills Acquisition Program (SAP), which is Football Federation Australia’s official talent player pathway for 9-12 year old boys and girls.

The management of an elite pathway by the Central Coast Mariners under the technical remit of the Mariners Technical Director/Head Coach aligns with Football Federation Australia’s holistic strategy that encourages all Hyundai A-League clubs to be more involved with youth development by administering and managing teams within the NPL competitions.

Football NSW is currently reviewing the applications put forward by the Mariners.

A proposed Central Coast Mariners ‘Football NSW 2016 National Premier League’ program has no impact on the current Central Coast Football Club structure and would only take effect from the 2016 season onwards, said the club.

For any further questions please contact: academy@ccmariners.com.au