The Move like a Mariner program, which teaches fundamental movement skills to children aged three to five, will return in early childhood education and care services across the Coast from July. During the six-week program educators are provided with resources and take part in an interactive workshop to increase their confidence to teach these crucial developmental skills in fun and engaging ways. Move like a Mariner is a joint initiative between Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service and the Central Coast Mariners.
More than 3,300 children from 53 Central Coast early childhood services took part in the program last year. In addition to learning how to move like their favourite Mariner, the children also learn about healthy snacking and the importance of drinking water. Services that take part receive an equipment kit and go in a draw to win a visit from two Mariners players or the top prize of a visit from the entire team.
This year, participating children will also receive a Mariners match day experience. The Kindiclub Preschool participated last year and were the lucky recipients of the team visit. Speaking after the visit, preschool director Irena Petrikova said it had created a lifetime of memories for the children.
“We’re so grateful to Central Coast Health and the Central Coast Mariners for organising the visit,” she said. “There were so many smiles on the children’s faces – it has created a lifetime of memories for them. “The Mov.