The Corona League could easily accommodate a 12th team next season such has been the success of the newly formed league, said president Mike McGrath.

Set up in the days after the collapse of the Commercial League, the new league is run independently of the Bermuda Football Association and has been a huge hit with players and supporters so far this season.

Although McGrath insists he always knew the league had all the ingredients to be successful, he admits he has been surprised at just how popular it's been.

"I think we always knew the league would work," said McGrath. "Just how successful it's been has been a surprise though. It's great to see crowds coming to watch the games and even more satisfying to see families coming out.

"We all thought the Corona League would take a little time to find its feet and thought it would be a while before it settled. But it's hit the ground running and it's a pleasure to be involved with it.

"The league can carry on in exactly the same format next season or it could easily accommodate a 12th team. But any team joining the league would be a decision for all the teams to make, as the league is their league, the board are just there to help out."

BAA Field's top of the range artificial pitch has been a huge pull in attracting teams and players to the league, according to McGrath, while the host of qualified referees officiating the games has elevated it beyond just being a light-hearted kick-about.

"The field makes a huge difference to the style and quality of the football played in the league," he said. "There's a lot more confidence in the players as when they receive a pass they know the ball will run true.

"The old Commercial League players used to be split into two camps with the younger, more athletic players and the older, more skilled players.

"The new surface allows those older players to really spread the ball around and the younger guys can run with the ball at their feet now rather than have it bouncing off their knees.

"It's pleasing to know that the only complaint I have heard from players is that they are missing playing in the Corona League on their bye weeks."

While league leaders Tuff Dogs and Vasco have shown early signs of becoming the league's two standout teams, McGrath is confident that the other sides will catch them up.

"Tuff Dogs and Vasco are really showing their class but the gap between teams is closing every week as teams are attracting more players and taking the games more seriously," he said.

"We expected to have difficulties and problems setting up something new but every time we have hit a stumbling block somebody calls us wanting to help. We have had amazing support from our sponsors, referees and the community."