Capital Football last week announced they have begun working with local football clubs to create openings for former Gungahlin United Football Club players by encouraging longer trial periods and expanding the NPL teams.
To assist former GUFC players, the NPL Mens will increase from 10 to 11 teams, with Canberra Juventus and White Eagles invited to join, and the NPL Boys will increase from 10 to 12 teams, with Monaro Panthers, Majura, and West Canberra Wanderers invited.
The NPL Girls will remain as eight teams with Bella Monaro invited to join the competition, while the NPL Women will continue with the six teams into the next season.
Capital Football made clear in a statement their actions were to minimise the impact of Gungahlin United’s decision to “commence winding up” the club, affecting club participants and stakeholders, including the 1,300 Mini-Roos and Junior League players previously registered.
“Our immediate priority is to support displaced players, particularly juniors, by helping them find new clubs,” they said.
“In addition, CF is working to create as many playing opportunities as possible in the Gungahlin region for affected National Premier League players following GUFC’s announcement on 18 October.”
Several clubs who have been invited to join the NPL have accepted the promotion, with Expressions of Interest and club statements commenting on the news, including other clubs celebrating the expansion of the game and commiserations of GUFC’s closure.
Gungahlin United Football Club has remained silent about Capital Football’s move to aid their former players, as well as any current updates.
Capital Football has stated that former GUFC players who have previous commitments from other clubs will not be affected by the changes, and any opportunities available should remain intact.
The football body has also committed to working with all the football clubs in the state and has encouraged all NPL clubs to extend their trial periods and to continue to support the sport, local community, and each other.
A Boost To The National Premier League in the ACT
The events of last week and the subsequent assistance of Capital Football have helped strengthen the NPL in the ACT for next year’s season.
With new clubs being added to the league, new opportunities are in the cards for both clubs and their local communities, including possible sponsorships and partnerships in the future.
This also means the development and support of youth sports and new fan engagement initiatives for the NPL next year to grow into the future.
The news and movement of the sporting community in the state have also shown the resilience and cooperation of football clubs in Australia, where if the same were to happen to any club in other larger states, the redistribution of players could be done.
However, of the estimated 2,000 players which made up Gungahlin United FC players, around 700 are not accounted for, as well as coaches, volunteers and members of the club’s administration.
