The State League, where the Mariners finished fifth last season, underwent a restructure at the end of last season and becomes a conference league with just three age groups for 2018 – under 14s, under 15s and under 17s.

Essentially that means had the Mariners not been granted promotion its senior players would’ve been devoid of top-level football and the pathway through Western branch would’ve all but dissolved after players graduated from the latter age group.

“That’s pretty much it,” Stedman said, there would still be a pathway of course but through the NPL2 it is far more clear-cut.

“From here there’s the chance for players to potentially move into the (Football NSW) Institute team and have a crack in NPL1, which Cushla Rue and Katie Duffy are both doing this year.

“And good luck to them, that’s exactly what we’re here for, to provide that pathway for players to go to the higher level, whether that be NPL1, tournaments like nationals or even all the way to the W-League.

“There’s been a lot of players from Western Branch go on to the top level. The Sykes sisters (Ashleigh and Nicole) from Dubbo, Ellie Carpenter, Lyndsay Glohe, Karina Roweth. Jasmin Courtenay played for the (Newcastle) Jets and Erica Halloway is [33] and still playing for Western Sydney.

“So we want to stay up, stay in NPL2 to make sure that pathway doesn’t close up.”

With the promotion comes and inevitable lift in standard and even though Stedman is certain his sides will be able to take it to the likes of Sydney Olympic FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Inter Lions and the rest of the NPL2 sides, he said the club is still looking to “attract some new players”.

“We’re looking to bolster the ranks a bit, because even though we’ve picked up a couple of players we have lost a few players from last year too,” he said.

“The biggest hurdle we’re facing at the moment is that of our under 15s and under 17s, a lot have moved on or aren’t playing.

“There’s been a bit of negativity toward the Mariners, a lot about the fact we do play in Sydney. But we only actually play six of our (22) games in the city, the rest are at home.

“(Orange’s) Meaghan Kempson has come back to play, experienced players like Jasmin Courtenay and Teegan Courtney are back and we’ve picked up Western junior Holly Beecroft from Macarthur as well.

“But we’d like to attract a few more players, because there were times when we had the bare 11 last year and that’s tough against sides with fresh reserves.

“We’re looking to draw on CSU Bathurst and CSU Orange as well, and we’re negotiating with a few players from the Riverina as well but we want to fly the Western region flag, so anyone interested should get in contact with me.”

Interested players can do by calling Stedman, on 0400 975 740. All the Mariners’ sides will be training every Wednesday at Orange’s Jack Brabham Park, from 6.15pm.