Bid officials insist the membership pledge campaign is a significant stage in SCFC's bid to enter the A-League in 2010-11.

Under the Football Federation Australia criteria, a bidding club needs to demonstrate serious interest within its catchment area.

The pledge scheme is designed to put a serious onus on the South Coast's football fans to send a clear message of support.

A membership pledge is a non-binding expression of interest that they will convert this to full paying membership at a later date.

Each person who pledges intent to take up individual, family or business membership will receive a club member number.

Canberra's A-League bid has already placed strong emphasis on the need to demonstrate such support and now one of its rivals for a licence is following suit.

South Coast Chairman Eddy De Gabriele said today: "It gives you the chance to show your commitment to be part of this fascinating and exciting journey.

"Pledging to become a full club member of your own A-League side, playing locally in a national football competition, is something that will provide you, your friends and your family with an opportunity to create wonderful memories, great friendships and bonds and fabulous emotional experiences."

In launching the bid's membership pledge campaign today, De Gabriele also revealed Socceroo legends will be honoured with special membership of South Coast Football Club Ltd if they receive a licence to play in the Hyundai A-League.

"Among the main reasons we deserve an A-League team in this region are our history, heritage and continuing ability to provide the game with outstanding talent," said Mr De Gabriele.

The launch of the membership campaign follows a deal last week between SCFC and Police and Community Youth Clubs NSW which will give the inaugural Tim Cahill Youth Academy a home in Wollongong.

The deal also provides headquarter facilities for SCFC and means the state's 62,000 PCYC members are eligible to activate free membership of SCFC.

In a further effort to engage the South Coast community, SCFC today launched an internet forum for fans to discuss the progress of the bid and provide feedback to the club's officials.

Although the club is based in Wollongong, De Gabriele reaffirmed commitment to the wider South Coast region, saying plans were underway to meet with football officials throughout the nine local government areas in the club's catchment over the next few months.

South Coast is one of several bids battling for spots 11 and 12 in the A-League. A second Melbourne side looks in a strong position to grab the 11th place with Canberra and Tasmania among those looking for entry.