The new system benefits the clubs by removing the expensive interstate travel, and exposes the players to a tougher level of competition over a longer period with more matches.

[citation needed] The current league was announced by Football Federation Australia at the start of March 2008.

The 2009–10 season saw the addition of Gold Coast United and a team from the Australian Institute of Sport Football Program.

[citation needed] In the 2012–13 season, Gold Coast United were replaced by Western Sydney Wanderers.

In April 2017, the closing of the FFA Centre of Excellence (previously the Australian Institute of Sport Football Program) was announced.

Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) are also allowed to be selected (except when playing the AIS where it is restricted to two), usually these coming from the senior team.

A-League clubs must draw replacement players for their senior teams from the Youth League squad, except under certain circumstances.

From 2016, all A-League clubs now have youth teams entered into their local conferences of the National Premier Leagues.