Aon Risk Solutions has partnered with the Gosford-based soccer club Central Coast Mariners to provide game-day “ball kids” and player mascots for at least the next three A-League seasons.

The deal extends to Aon opening a Central Coast office at the Mariners’ Centre of Excellence in Tuggerah in February next year.

It is not the first time Aon has worked with a soccer team, having been the principal partner of Manchester United for four years.

Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp says Aon’s three-year commitment “is one of the most exciting new partnerships we have established with one of the world’s most recognisable brands”.

“The ability of the Central Coast Mariners to attract national and global partnerships is a crucial step in our goal to become the most innovative, entertaining and community-minded sports brand in Australia.”

Aon Central Coast Branch Manager Andrew Bendeich says the deal reflects shared values. 

“We were attracted to partnering with the Central Coast Mariners because their core values and investment in building strong relationships with the local community align with ours,” he said.

“We specifically wanted to sponsor the ball kids program, adding value as a strategic partner and deliberately moving away from simply harnessing our relationship to entertain clients.”