FFA Expansion gets green light

The entry of two new teams to the A-League for the 2009-10 season has been confirmed by the Board of Football Federation Australia (FFA).
Teams from the Gold Coast and Townsville will expand the A-League to a 10-team competition in its fifth season.
Speaking from Skilled Park on the Gold Coast last week, FFA Chief Executive, Ben Buckley, said it was another 'fantastic news day' for the A-League, stating that âthe Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football. 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."
Buckley said that the Gold Coast should also be an attractive team for players and coaches.
âHaving a local team will also help encourage talented young players from the region, as it gives them a clear pathway into Australiaâs premier competition.�?
Clive Mensink, Chief Executive of the Gold Coast bid, echoed Buckley's delight, stating âthis is absolutely tremendous news for the Gold Coast. 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.
Buckley added that a license has also been approved for the Townsville-based North Queensland consortium but final legal documentation is yet to be completed.
As Buckley stated "North Queensland has met all the commercial criteria we set for them last month, including local community and business support which has been terrific. We know that there are many people in the city of Townsville, and beyond, who are looking forward to the Hyundai A-League being part of the North Queensland sporting landscape.�?
North Queensland FC consortium head, Don Matheson, said he was also delighted to have the license approved, stating âitâs 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. We are committed to the long term future growth of football and of ensuring North Queensland is a leading team in the Hyundai 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.
âExpansion of the Hyundai 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 Hyundai A-League, Gold Coast United and North Queensland.�?
He reiterated the FFAâs earlier view that, ultimately, the A-League has the capacity to be at least a 12 team competition and possibly 14 teams. Buckley also Confirmed that FFA is continuing discussions with a number of consortia on the basis of a successful entry in to the A-League in 2010-11.
Buckley also highlighted that a number of current A-League stars hailed from the Gold Coast and North Queensland.