The backers behind Canberra's A-League bid are confident of regular gates of 15,000-plus. "It's very positive news for Canberra, regional New South Wales football, and our A-League bid. Over 15,000 people are expected to attend every home game. And almost 70% of households are saying they would consider going to games," said bid leader Transact CEO Ivan Slavich.

Today, Slavich released the results of Orima Market Research recently undertaken for the Canberra A-League Bid Committee.

"Football is booming across Canberra, New South Wales and Australia and we are seeing the results in our research. Interestingly support is strong from both males and females. It matches the anecdotal evidence we've gathered from around the junior clubs of Canberra.

"And we expect an increase in positive responses when we are accepted into the League for 2010 and build towards our first game.

"And further research will include all the fans from regional New South Wales who would come to the games. The Brumbies get almost 15% of their support from outside Canberra, we'd aim to match or improve on this.

"Canberra United FC plays its first game in the new Westfield Women's League in October and it's a great pathway for our junior girls.

"We want the same for our thousands of junior boys to complete the elite pathway.

"Football is the biggest participation code in Canberra and the region, over 17,000 play every week in Canberra alone, and the Capital of Australia should have a team in the National League."

"Canberrans can support the bid by becoming Foundation Members, it's the most important thing football fans, and the community can do to ensure we get a team in 2010," added Slavich.

Football Federation Australia is expected to discuss Canberra's 2010/11 bid in mid-October along with West Sydney and Wollongong.

For further details on the bid or to sign up as a Foundation or Corporate Foundation Member go to a-league4canberra.com.