Capital Football is deeply saddened by the announcement from Gungahlin United Football Club (GUFC) regarding its decision to wind up operations under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT).
This decision has significant implications for thousands of players, families and volunteers across the ACT football community, particularly at a time when National Premier League (NPL) and Pathways trials are taking place throughout Canberra.
In 2024, Capital Football issued GUFC an NPL licence with conditions requiring the repayment of outstanding debts owed to both Capital Football and the ACT Government. Despite repeated engagement and opportunities to meet these obligations, GUFC did not comply with the agreed conditions. On 10th September, Capital Football issued a final breach notice to the club.
In accordance with Capital Football regulations, GUFC was provided a 30-day notice period to respond to the breach notice. After reviewing the club’s submission, Capital Football assessed its ability to comply with the Club Affiliation Policy, including its financial sustainability and capacity to meet debts when due.
On 15th October, Capital Football issued further correspondence outlining the Board’s concerns that GUFC appeared unable to maintain operations within an NPL structure.
Recognising the strength of GUFC’s community football base, Capital Football invited the club to submit revised financial forecasts that excluded NPL teams, in the hope that its approximately 2,000 community league participants could provide a solid foundation for future recovery and long-term stability. The club declined the opportunity to submit these financial documents.
While Capital Football continues to work collaboratively with all affiliated clubs to optimise participation and ensure the ongoing growth of football in the ACT, the financial management of clubs, including all costs associated with NPL and NPLW programs, remains the responsibility of each individual organisation.
NPL licence applications are assessed collectively across men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s programs, and are currently being finalised by an independent committee. Final outcomes are expected to be confirmed shortly.
Capital Football regrets that financial mismanagement has led to a situation in which a club believes it can no longer continue operations. The immediate priority for Capital Football is to ensure that all players affiliated with GUFC, particularly the participants in community competitions, are provided with opportunities to continue playing football within the ACT region.
Capital Football encourages the broader football community to show respect and support for GUFC players, families and volunteers during this challenging time.
The organisation remains committed to working in good faith with all clubs to strengthen football at every level and to uphold the principles of sustainability, inclusion and participation across the ACT.
No further comment will be made on this matter
