The A-League will have two new teams for season 2009-10.
The Board of Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirmed yesterday that teams from the Gold Coast and Townsville will expand the League to a 10 team competition in its fifth season.
FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said it was another ''fantastic news day'' for the Hyundai A-League.
''The Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football,'' Buckley said.
''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.
''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 players currently participating in the A-League include Karl Dodd, David Dodd, Griffin McMaster, Mitch Nichols and Tom Oar.
Gold Coast’s CEO, Clive Mensink, echoed Buckley’s delight.
''This is absolutely tremendous news for the Gold Coast,'' Mensink said.
''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 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.
''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 team will be another impetus to encourage more talented young footballers,'' Buckley said.
Current A-League players from North Queensland include Steve Corica, Tahj Minniecon, Mitchell Langerak and Michael Thwaite.
Other former prominent players from North Queensland include Socceroo great, Frank Farina, Wayne Srhoj, Shane Stefannuto, Kasey Wehrman and Jason Polak.
North Queensland FC consortium head, Don Matheson, said he was also 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.
''We’re all so 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 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 that FFA is continuing discussions with a number of consortia on the basis of a successful entry in to the Hyundai A-League in 2010-11.
One of those consortia is looking to establish a team on the state's south coast taking in the regions of the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.
With a working title of South Coast Football, and the backing of Socceroos Scott Chipperfield and Tim Cahill, the bid recently learned it would not gain entry for the 2009-10 season.
SCF chairman Eddy De Gabriele recently met with the FFA board where he was told entry for the 2009-10 was off the agenda.
''The FFA is going to go with 10 teams for next season,'' De Gabriele said.
"They don't want 11 teams, they wanted 10 or 12 and they will go to 12 in 2010.
"We are extremely close to finalising all the loose ends ... we are nearly there for 2010."
The South Coast bid was given a boost on Monday when Premier Morris Iemma met regional representatives.
Mr Iemma indicated he would look favourably on WIN Stadium's push for a western grandstand if the FFA promised to deliver a South Coast A-League team.
Can the A-League sustain 14 teams? Should there be a second Sydney team in 2010?
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