Mariners Executive Chairman gets recognition in Asia

Central Coast Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman has been invited to be a member of the Asian Football Confederation's Ad Hoc Committee for Professional Clubs, set up at the most recent AFC executive committee meeting, alongside similar groups for Member Associations and Professional Leagues.

Commenting on the appointment, Gorman stated "this appointment is not about me, but is a testament to all involved in our club and the work that has been put in over the past five years to lay the proud foundations we have in place today at the Mariners. The appointment should be seen as a reward for all in involved in our journey so far.

"It also highlights the high regard Football Federation Australia is held in by the AFC, and will help both the Central Coast Mariners and football in this country take a giant leap forward."

Gorman finds himself in familiar company as he joins the committee, with Football Federation Australia Chairman Frank Lowy representing Australia on the Member Associations Committee, while Chief Executive Ben Buckley has been given the Chairmanship of the Professional Leagues group.

Gorman added "the Mariners are always proud to acknowledge the incredible dedication Frank and Ben have undertaken in developing Football in Australia, they were very much behind the push to have this country join the AFC, and I congratulate both of them on their appointments.

"I'd also like to thank the Asian Football Confederation for giving me this opportunity to join this committee, Iâm looking forward to providing a voice for Australian clubs in Asia."

Gorman's appointment has drawn praise and congratulation from business, politics and the sport sectors alike, including Kerry Ruffels, head of Regional Development Australia - Central Coast, and Gorman's Chief Executive at the Mariners John McKay.

McKay comment "Lyall's appointment to this AFC committee is the first of its type and another milestone for the Club. Itâs also a personal testament to the high regard in which Lyall is held both at FFA and the AFC."

The first of the meetings for the Ad Hoc Committees is being held in Kuala Lumpur through yesterday and today.

Lyall Gorman explained the Mariners involvement with the Central Coast community in the July/August 2009 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.