Although the South Coast group has been dubbed a 'Wollongong' bid, those behind the would-be franchise have been at pains to stress it extends well beyond that location.

Chairman Eddy De Gabriele and three other members of the South Coast team will head out for several days to meet numerous organisations in the region, including football, local government, tourism and media.

One of the FFA's demands on any would-be A-League side is the ability to demonstrate community support.

De Gabriele told the Illawara Mercury: "We want to develop local contacts.

"We want them to tell us what they want from the South Coast A-League to be part of their community. Do they want us to hold pre-season training in their town? A charity event?"

Community support is one vital box to tick but cold, hard cash is the bottom line.

"We have had four groups ask about investing in the club and three asking about sponsorship for our jerseys," said De Gabriele.

South Coast face a fight with the likes of Canberra, Tasmania and Western Sydney to secure a spot in the A-League.