Earlier this month seven football clubs previously part of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) broke away to seek recognition from football authorities to form a new league.

The new league has been named to honour the original NASL, a professional league that operated in the US and Canada from 1968 to 1984.

"We are paying respect to the players, coaches and leaders who were pioneers for men's professional soccer in North America," said newly-appointed NASL president Selby Wellman. "Our intention is to offer an elite brand of soccer and outstanding experience for our partners and fans, something the old NASL did very well during its day. We will do the same in the new NASL."

The USL, which was founded in 1986 and has two senior men's divisions as well as a youth and women's structure, recently announced plans for new teams in Canada and Detroit and intends to continue without the rebel teams in 2010.