The New Zealanders believe they are at a real disadvantage with no opportunity for young players to test themselves in a competitive environment and no stage for senior players to try and fight their way back into favour.

Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com: "It's something we feel very strongly about and we want a situation where we benefit like the others have (the seven other A-League clubs)."

The most likely avenue is a team in the New Zealand Football Championship for Wellington.

Pignata said: "There is a submission (to New Zealand Football) and discussion with the FFA. We want to have a situation where young players are playing competitive games and are playing for points."

Seven or eight New Zealanders would probably be recruited to make up the squad, topped up by senior members of the first team squad.

Pignata said: "I honestly believe it's a win-win situation for all concerned and while we would play for points we wouldn't be looking for the O-League or a World Club Championship position as our 'reward' if we happened to win it."

Phoenix had previously explored the option of basing a National Youth League team in Canberra.