Cairns is set to become a regional hub for top level national and international football following a partnership agreement between Cairns Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort Group and FNQ FC Heat.

Under the agreement, Aquis will become the naming rights sponsor for the Cairns' National Premier Leagues team which will be called the Aquis FNQ Heat.

Aquis and FNQ FC will also work together towards the aim of building an Australian A-League team.

Aquis CEO Justin Fung said the group was excited to be helping FNQ FC to achieve its potential at the national and international level.

“We are glad to give our support to FNQ FC because it is a great club that deserves the resources to finally make it big on a national stage,” Fung said.

“This was an easy decision for us because we love our football, but also because anything that makes Cairns a more vibrant and exciting city is good for us, our staff and our overseas guests.”

“We will continue to support the community as our Aquis project progresses and share the prosperity that only a world-class integrated resort can deliver to the region.”

Following the agreement, FNQ FC plans to begin discussions with Football Queensland and Football Federation Australia to achieve a National Youth League and an A-League Licence.

FNQ FC chairman Adam Garnett said the agreement was a huge boost for the club which would ensure its future growth.

“This is truly a historic day for football in Far North Queensland and, indeed, Australia,” Garnett said.

“The signing of this partnership between FNQ FC and Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort signifies the start of a new era for the club and the game.”

“FNQ FC is delighted to partner with Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort, who shares our vision of bringing more top level football to Far North Queensland and giving local players the chance to reach the highest ranks.”

Garnett said that as the peak football club in the region, FNQ FC had always had bold ambitions to establish Cairns in the Asian football landscape and position itself to be a contender for an A-League license when the FFA next considered expansion.

“We are delighted that Aquis shares our ambitions for the ‘world game’ in this region and for positioning Cairns as a truly international city, and through this alliance will work with us to bring the Hyundai A-league and international football to Far North Queensland,” Mr Garnett said.

“Through this partnership we now have the opportunity to make this happen.”

The announcement continues FNQ FC Heat’s rise to prominence trough the National Premier Leagues after being awarded Team of the Year at the 2013 Australian Football Awards.