HOME GROWN

Central Coast United was founded in 2014 with one clear purpose — to help build a serious football pathway for players on the Coast.

Not every kid wants to leave home to chase their football. So we worked with partners to create something here. A space between grassroots and elite rep football. A place where players could train properly, compete hard, and stay connected to where they’re from.

We started out as Central Coast Football Academy. By 2017, we’d earned our place in the Football NSW system. That’s when we became Central Coast United — a club with a sharp identity, big ambitions, and a strong sense of who we represent.

Our pathway wouldn’t exist without the support and alignment of Central Coast Football, local clubs, Central Coast Sports College and the Central Coast Mariners. It’s not about one club doing it all — it’s about working together to give local players a real shot at the next level.

We operate across:

  • JDL (U9–U12)

  • Youth (U13–U18)

  • Seniors (U20 & First Grade)

Since day one, over 150 players from our programs have progressed into the Mariners’ system. That doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of a connected Coast — clubs, coaches, and communities pushing in the same direction.

Every player who wears our badge has a genuine link to the Central Coast. That matters to us. To be part of CCU, players must meet at least one of the following:

  1. Born on the Coast

  2. Living on the Coast

  3. Played junior or senior football here

  4. Or have a strong tie to the region — through family, the pathway, or history

We’re proud of where we’ve come from. And we’re even more driven about where we’re going — together.

THE BEGINNING

  • CAPTAIN

    Daniel Mcfarlane was Central Coast United’s first-ever captain — a gifted footballer and an even better leader.
    He led us to two promotions and a grand final win, embodying everything we needed on and off the pitch. He’ll always have a special place in the heart of this club.

  • TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

    Dean Heffernan played a vital role in laying the foundations of Central Coast United.
    A former Socceroo and Mariners standout, Dean brought his experience, passion, and professionalism to help shape the club from day one. He’s been a true role model for both our senior and youth players — and a key figure in building the standards we live by today.

  • HEAD COACH

    Stuart Davis was the perfect first head coach for a club built to represent the Central Coast.
    Already one of the region’s most successful coaches, Stu brought that winning mentality to CCU — guiding the club out of the State League and lifting multiple trophies along the way. He now leads the club full-time and continues to drive everything forward with passion, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to our football community.

THE CREST

Our logo was created by Matthew Wolff — the designer behind iconic identities like LAFC and New York City FC.
Matthew’s work includes legendary kits for Nike and Air Jordan, including the globally acclaimed Paris Saint-Germain and Nigeria national team designs.