The Central Coast Mariners have provided the SASS Strikers with plenty of entertainment and vital funds.
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As part of the Hyundai 'Goals For Grassroots' program, Dubbo's SASS Strikers junior players were able to take part in an array of activities during last Friday's A-League clash between the Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar.
The benefits included match tickets and a guaranteed $1000 in funds, plus an additional $1000 for every goal the home team, in this case the Mariners, scored up to a $10,000 limit.
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The result on Friday night might not have been the one the Mariners club was craving but it was still a success for the Strikers as the Roar ran out 5-3 winners at the Central Coast Stadium.
Strikers president Shane Fee, who registered last year in order to earn funds for his club, was thrilled with the result and the $4,000 earned.
"We have to work really hard to get funding, so we're stoked and it will not only help our club out, we are aiming to spread the joy to other clubs. That's what we're all about," Fee said.
The Strikers are one of many junior clubs to benefit this season as one 'Goals for Grassroots' match is played in every round of the A-League season.
"The whole experience has just been overwhelming," Fee added.
"We were able to take some of the kids over to watch the game and they were able to meet Tommy Oar, who's an ex-Socceroos player."
Oar, who has played for clubs in England and the Netherlands as well as representing his country, spent of time with the Strikers kids on the night and posed for plenty of photos while chatting with the young players.
Despite the loss, Fee said the Mariners played well and the entire event provided he and his players with a real sense of excitement.
"It was all done really well," he said.
Fee plans to use the funds to help cover the costs of bringing the Josh Rose Academy to Dubbo, something he has secured for April.
The Academy will provide a workshop set up for the Strikers, and that will be something other clubs in Dubbo can benefit from.
"The funds will go towards things like supplying the children with a barbecue on the day and paying for a marquee," Fee said.
"The Rose Academy will provide our youth with training and skills that will really benefit clubs across Dubbo."
