North Qld, Gold Coast to join A-League
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Going north... FFA boss Ben Buckley (R) will formally announce the expansion this afternoon. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne, file photo)
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has signed off on a two-team expansion for the A-League from next season.
The FFA has confirmed teams based in Townsville and the Gold Coast will be included in a 10-team league from the 2009/10 season.
FFA chief executive Ben Buckley officially made the announcement on the Gold Coast this afternoon.
The new teams are expected to be called North Queensland FC and Gold Coast United.
"The Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football," Mr Buckley said in a statement.
"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.
"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."
