Because one year after Canberra was snubbed for the third and final time for an A-League licence, the pain was still raw.

Two years - starting to heal, but the anger remained bubbling under the surface.

But now, three years after the A-League4Canberra bid finally pulled the pin after countless broken promises, handed back $360,000 in foundation funds and let go of its dream of a team in the national competition, the reconciliation can begin.

It starts with baby steps, which is why this week's feast of A-League games in Canberra is the perfect way to dip our toes back into the water.

The Central Coast Mariners played Canberra Olympic and Gungahlin United at Gungahlin Enclosed on Tuesday and Thursday night respectively, while Belconnen United hosted last season's runners-up Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Wednesday night.

The football overload concludes with the Western Sydney Wanderers taking on Canberra FC at Deakin Stadium next Tuesday night.

Belconnen United's match with Sydney FC was the first to be confirmed.

The increased level of promotion, combined with the pulling power of one of the A-League's most successful clubs, resulted in more than 1800 fans braving the cold to see the Sky Blues claim a 3-0 victory.

Belconnen United president Jaime Garrido said he couldn't be happier with the club's relationship with Sydney FC and that the match had been locked in for next year.

"When we approached Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata and put together the proposal, he was like, 'this is good', but words are one thing and actions are another," Garrido said.

"The actions from Sydney have been backing up what they are saying.

"They are invested in this relationship."

For several reasons.

There's access to an untapped junior base of more than 12,000 players, the opportunity to use the elite training facilities at the AIS and also the chance to discover a diamond in the rough.

Or to put it another way, the next Tom Rogic, a talented kid kicking around in Canberra, spotted in a competition who has gone on to represent his country and who is currently playing for Scottish giants Celtic.

But why now? What is special about this year?

One reason could be that Canberra is on the verge of getting its own team in the National Youth League in 2016-17.

That gives existing A-League clubs 12 months to establish themselves, create partnerships and scout the best talent.

Belconnen United hopes their relationship with Sydney FC leads to the club's talented young players having a pathway to the A-League.

Garrido believes the attitude of Canberra clubs has changed.

"We've evolved a bit and we can see the bigger picture now when we're going down this avenue and bringing the A-League clubs here," Garrido said.

"At the end of the day, we want more kids playing the sport.

"The more quality football and high-profile players we can bring is going to be a positive."

Canberra has always had a rich football history, starting in the mid-1950s with the establishment of clubs such as Canberra Croatia (now known as Canberra FC) and Olympic with its Greek heritage.

The Canberra City Arrows played in the old National Soccer League from 1977 to 1986 before the Canberra Cosmos took over, struggling in their six seasons from 1995 to 2001.

Expansion of the A-League whetted our appetite once again, but after being overlooked three times, the game's profile in Canberra took a step back.

Bumper crowds to this year's Asian Cup games in Canberra changed the perception, opening the door to the Socceroos returning in November - the first time in four years.

Getting a Canberra A-League team remains the long-term goal.

Until then, Canberra NPL clubs are being proactive and partnering with A-League sides.

Olympic and Gungahlin United split the costs of bringing the Mariners to Canberra, paying about $7500 each to accommodate the club for five nights at the AIS and covering food and transport.

In return, the Mariners conducted coaching clinics for both clubs and provided advice to their coaching staff.

They also brought in a couple of promising local players to give them a taste of what it takes to make the next level.

Gungahlin's Irish midfielder Shane Murray trained with Mariners all week and played for them against Olympic, while exciting youngsters Nikolas Popovich and Josh Gulevski donned the Mariners jersey on Thursday night.

Olympic coach Frank Cachia said it made sense for NSW A-League clubs to try to gain a foothold in Canberra.

"Because we haven't got our own A-League team, they are tapping into a market that's pretty much open for them," Cachia said.

"Whoever builds on that community feel and can get a number of the clubs and players and families on side will have that market.

"We hope as the relationship between Olympic and Central Coast goes, it's going to lead to a decent supporter base for the Mariners and helps us get more Olympic players into the A-League."

Gungahlin United president Ricardo Alberto said having A-League teams in Canberra acted as an incentive for the next generation.

"It means our younger guys can be a bit inspired about what's possible and it gives them a sense it's not that far away," Alberto said.

"If you can close that gap a little bit, the more attainable it is and they try that little bit extra."

Smeltz said Sydney's FC trip to Canberra was a good chance to boost the game's profile and continue to advance the city's case for inclusion in the A-League when expansion is on the table.

"These games are vitally important as this is a region that's trying to grow and push their way into the A-League," Smeltz said.

"The more teams can get here and play some games and expose themselves and the region to the country is great.

"There's going to be other regions in the future that pop into the A-League, and hopefully this is something that can help that along."

TUESDAY: Canberra FC v Western Sydney Wanderers at Deakin Stadium, 7pm.