It is all systems go for Queensland's two new A-League franchises, with the Gold Coast and North Queensland officially welcomed to the fold this afternoon.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive Ben Buckley made the announcement at Skilled Park at Robina, which a Gold Coast side will call home when they suit up for the 2009-10 season.
Along with the addition of a team based in Townsville, the A-League will expand to 10 teams in its fifth season.
Buckley, said today it was another "fantastic news day" for the league.
"The 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," Buckley said.
"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.
"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," he said.
Gold Coast-born players currently participating in the A-League include the Queensland Roar's Tom Oar, David Dodd, Mitch Nichols and back-up 'keeper Griffin McMaster.
The Gold Coast's chief executive, Clive Mensink, said the club could now focus on recruiting players to ensure they hit the ground running next season.
"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," Mensink said.
"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 said that a license has also been approved for the Townsville-based North Queensland consortium but final legal documentation is 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 said.
"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."
Current A-League players from North Queensland include Steve Corica, Tahj Minniecon, Mitchell Langerak and Michael Thwaite.
North Queensland FC consortium head, Don Matheson, said he was delighted to have the license approved.
"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," Matheson said.
"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.
He reiterated the FFA's 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 the FFA is continuing discussions with a number of consortia on the basis of a successful entry in to the A-League in 2010-11.
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