Capital Football advises that ANU Women’s Football Club (ANU WFC) has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2025 National Premier League Women’s (NPLW) competitions. This withdrawal takes effect immediately for their Reserves team and following the conclusion of Round 1 for their First-Grade team (in 3 weeks’ time).

This decision follows a period of consultation between ANU WFC and Capital Football and was communicated to players at training last night (Thursday evening). While it is a disappointing outcome, we acknowledge the courage of the club in prioritising the welfare of its players and the significant effort being made to support them through this transition.

Capital Football has been working closely with the club to develop a transition plan that supports affected players and minimises disruption to the broader competition. As a result of this decision, the following will occur:

• All First-Grade matches played by ANU WFC in Round 1 will stand, and the results will remain recorded as played. ANU WFC has committed to play the remaining three matches in Round 1 against Belconnen United, Canberra Olympic and Gungahlin United. ANU WFC’s last game for the 2025 NPLW season will be 25 May.
• All Reserves matches scheduled in Round 1 will be recorded as 3-0 forfeits in favour of ANU WFC’s opponents. For clarity, this includes matches already played, which will be updated to reflect the forfeit result.
• All matches featuring ANU WFC following the completion of Round 1 – in both First Grade and Reserves – will be changed to a bye.
• These updates will be reflected in Dribl by Capital Football within the next two weeks.
• ANU WFC players will not be eligible to transfer to other NPLW Clubs until the opening of the mid-season transfer window on June 2.
• ANU WFC players wanting to transition to Capital League Clubs may be considered for early release on a case-by-case basis (approval will be required by both ANU WFC and Capital Football).
• ANU WFC will be contacting all NPLW and CL Div 1 & 2 clubs directly to provide further information about their players and potential transfer options. We encourage clubs to engage openly and constructively to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for the players affected by this change.

We ask all clubs to respect ANU WFC’s decision and join us in working together to support the affected players through this transition.

Capital Football thanks ANU WFC’s for their contribution to the NPLW competition and will continue to support their efforts to remain engaged in Women’s football. We remain committed to ensuring a sustainable and competitive environment for all clubs and players in the NPLW.