Since joining the A-League in 2007 Phoenix have not been able to field a second side in the national youth league (NYL).

It’s meant fringe players have lacked match practice and talented youngsters have not had the chance to match it against their counterparts across Australia.

The solution of sorts was to field Phoenix’s fringe players in an A team across New Zealand against national league teams in a series of friendlies dubbed the “ASB Phoenix Challenge”.

Clearly, the club is happy with how this has panned out since its inception last season.

“I’ve spoken to the FFA about an NYL team and whilst it remains a mid-long term goal for the club to compete in the NYL, our concentration will be put into making sure we get full benefit out of the series we played against the ASB Premiership sides,” Nathan Greenham, CEO of Phoenix, told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“We believe this series to be a great initiative on a number of fronts and we’ll be developing this further to include more games and closer integration of the players to our professional environment with the vision of being able to offer these players A-League contracts.”

The club also confirmed they will again play in Christchurch this season. In the last two seasons impressive numbers have turned up to see Phoenix play in the Garden City.It’s all part of Phoenix attempting to grow their brand nationally.

“One immediate goal for the club is to continue to develop our grassroots program and take some aspects of this national,” said Greenham.

This is likely to encompass player development, coaching clinics, community initiatives and a scholarship. The club claimed a sponsor for these programs will soon be announced.

Meanwhile, on the key issue of sponsorship of the entire club, Greenham remained tight-lipped. There have been reports that Phoenix were about to unveil a $10m sponsor, but the CEO said this was premature.

“It’s important to ensure that both parties are comfortable with all the relevant parts of any contract before any official announcements can be made,” Greenham said.

He also played down the financial troubles of Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos, who recently cleared his $4m debts with the IRD and ACCand was hoping to have secured a US$100m loan from the Middle East.

“We’re glad that the financial challenges have been dealt with," said Greenham. "It’s been difficult for all clubs for a variety of reasons and we’re no exception, but we were a long way from any serious danger.”

Phoenix recently completed a five-year strategic plan setting short, mid and long-term goals.

Greenham added: “The excitement for me and the others here at the club is the massive opportunity that awaits us in continuing to grow our very strong product.”