Nelson is on track to have its bid for national league football granted.
Two representatives from New Zealand Football were in town on Friday, looking over facilities and meeting with members of the consortium that has put the bid together.
Final word should come within a fortnight and if granted means Nelson could be playing national league football this coming summer.
It is understood several top New Zealand coaches are in discussions with the consortium about the new team.
News of the bid was first reported by Nelson Weekly in March.
Head of the bid, Aldo Miccio, would not confirm the visit by the NZF representatives but says he is positive about the feedback from New Zealand Football.
“We are very positive, we’ve had very good discussions with them and they are impressed with what we have done and what we propose to do.”
Concern around funding still exists in the wider football community but Aldo says the Top of the South group has already half of the sponsorship target pledged, without applying for gaming machine money or funds from current supporters of Nelson club sides.
If granted a licence to play in the ASB Premiership, the Nelson senior team and under 20 team would play its home games at Trafalgar Park and give more profile to the region, says Aldo.
“At the moment we have two national sports teams, the Tasman Makos and the Nelson Giants, a third would put us on the national stage again and will also give our kids the opportunity to play at the highest level here in their home town.”
