A-League confirm expansion

The A-League will feature 10 teams from 2009 after the inclusion of teams from Gold Coast and Townsville was confirmed by the board of Football Federation Australia.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley insisted the move was a 'fantastic news day' for the A-League, which is in only its fifth season.

Buckley also reiterated the FFA's earlier view that ultimately the A-League has the capacity to be at least a 12-team and possibly a 14-team competition and that discussions were ongoing with a number of consortia on the basis of a successful entry for 2010.

'The Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football,' said Buckley.

'It is one of the fastest growing regions in the country with a population already over half a million and a strong level of participation and interest in the sport.

'We know that the people of the Gold Coast enjoy supporting local teams and I have no doubt Skilled Park will be one of the best home grounds in the country.

'Having a local team will also help encourage talented young players from the region, as it gives them a clear pathway into Australia's premier competition.'

Gold Coast-born Karl Dodd, David Dodd, Griffin McMaster, Mitch Nichols and Tom Oar are all currently participating in the A-League.

'This is absolutely tremendous news for the Gold Coast,' said Gold Coast chief executive Clive Mensink.

'FFA has worked with us tirelessly to finalise our bid and to get this club up and running. We thank them for their diligence and attention throughout the process.

'As a club, we want to contribute as much as we can to the long term enrichment and development of the game. That begins with harnessing support and input from the Gold Coast community, then producing a successful, entertaining team for them to support and be proud of.

'This is a fantastic outcome and we couldn't be happier, and it is only the beginning of what is an exciting new era for football on the Gold Coast.'

Buckley revealed the license has also been approved for the Townsville-based North Queensland consortium but final legal documentation has yet to be completed.

'North Queensland has met all the commercial criteria we set for them last month, including local community and business support which has been terrific,' he added.

'Like the Gold Coast, North Queensland people are very proud of their local teams.

'We know that there are many people in the city of Townsville, and beyond, who are looking forward to the A-League being part of the North Queensland sporting landscape.

'North Queensland has a fine record of producing outstanding home grown players, and having a local A-League team will be another impetus to encourage more talented young footballers.'

Steve Corica, Tahj Minniecon, Mitchell Langerak and Michael Thwaite, all from North Queensland, are currently playing in the A-League, while other former prominent players from the region include Socceroo great Frank Farina, Glenn Gwynne, Wayne Srhoj, Shane Stefannuto, Kasey Wehrman and Jason Polak.

'It's been a fast and furious four weeks since we were granted exclusive negotiation rights and it has been very rewarding to see the wonderful response from local people,' said North Queensland FC consortium head Don Matheson.

'I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to finalise the legal paperwork.

'We're all so committed to the long term future growth of football and of ensuring North Queensland is a leading team in the A-League in the years to come.'

Buckley estimated it would be a few weeks before all legal requirements were finalised between North Queensland FC and FFA but reiterated this was the only matter outstanding.

'Expansion of the A-League is a critical issue to the continuing evolution and growth of football and this is a very exciting day for FFA, everyone involved in the A-League, Gold Coast United and North Queensland,' added Buckley.