Capital Football today announces the outcomes of a series of recent club applications relating to participation and exemption requests for the 2026 National Premier Leagues (NPL) season. These decisions follow a comprehensive assessment process undertaken by the Capital Football Board and reflect the organisation’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development, pathway integrity, and equitable competition structures across the Canberra region.
Capital Football remains dedicated to transparent governance, collaborative growth, and the continued enhancement of football pathways at all levels of the game. We thank all clubs for their submissions and for their ongoing efforts to support the growth and development of football throughout the region.
Junior Pathway Exemptions
Queanbeyan City FC – Conditional Junior Pathway Exemption
Queanbeyan City FC has been granted a conditional exemption to operate without a full junior pathway in 2026. The exemption is subject to quarterly reporting on the club’s progress against key deliverables. The exemption will not be extended beyond 2026, and eligibility for NPL Men in 2027 is contingent on establishing Division 1 junior teams or NPL Boys promotion.
White Eagles FC – Conditional Junior Pathway Exemption
Similarly, White Eagles FC has received a one-year conditional exemption, with identical requirements for quarterly reporting and 2027 NPL Men eligibility criteria as QCFC. These exemptions are intended to support transitional planning toward long-term pathway compliance.
Canberra Juventus FC – Junior Pathway Exemption Denied
Canberra Juventus’ request for a junior pathway exemption has been denied. The Board expressed concern over the feasibility of establishing a full junior pathway within a 12-month timeframe. The club is encouraged to plan for future NPL promotion by developing its youth structure.
Inclusion in Competition
Wagga City Wanderers FC – Inclusion in NPL Boys 2026
Wagga City Wanderers have been approved for participation in the NPL Boys competition for the 2026 season. Capital Football recognises the club’s contribution to regional football and its ongoing efforts to support player development in Wagga Wagga. Their inclusion is seen as a positive step for the overall strength and diversity of the NPL Boys competition.
Ongoing participation is contingent on the club maintaining its position in the NPL Boys competition. Should the club be relegated in future seasons, Capital Football will revisit its eligibility for junior competitions due to travel-related challenges and the need to preserve competition integrity.
Yoogali Soccer Club – Exclusion Decision Maintained
Capital Football has upheld its earlier decision to exclude Yoogali SC from participation in Capital Football competitions following the 2025 season.
While the club’s appeal outlined a proposed partnership model with other clubs, the submission did not meet the clearly communicated requirements. It lacked critical elements such as formalised agreements, a defined governance structure, and a detailed operational plan.
Capital Football had invited the club to submit a formal proposal to the Board, specifically addressing how it intended to meet the 2026 competition requirements and justify its continued inclusion in ACT-managed competitions. This included a clear expectation to demonstrate how a compliant youth development pathway would be established and delivered within Capital Football’s competition frameworks. However, no such formal proposal was received.
In the absence of this documentation, and in order to maintain consistency and integrity across the competition structure, the Board has determined that the decision to exclude Yoogali SC remains appropriate.
