Canberra Olympic is set to provide a lifeline for up to 1700 community players left without a club after Gungahlin United's collapse. The new team, believed to be named North Canberra Olympic, will call Harrison Playing Fields home next season.
Former Gungahlin United coaches and organisers are expected to help run sub-committees for the new team, backed by Canberra Olympic's financial stability and governance structures. This comes after Gungahlin United folded last month due to more than $550,000 in debt, leaving 2000 players club-less.
While approximately 300 NPL program players quickly found new clubs, the majority of community players faced uncertainty. Canberra Olympic's quick response has been well received by Capital Football and the ACT government, which had faced pressure from affected families.
A meeting was held on Sunday between Olympic and former Gungahlin United members to finalise planning. It is possible that North Canberra Olympic and Canberra Olympic could compete in the same community league competitions as separate teams, pending further approval.
The founding of North Canberra Olympic is a significant win for Canberra Olympic, which had previously explored a merger with Woden Valley Soccer Club. That proposal did not receive committee approval, but the new venture into the Gungahlin region may prove more beneficial.
Meanwhile, Gungahlin United's interim executive committee has scheduled a members meeting for November 25 to discuss winding up operations. Members will vote on a special resolution to voluntarily wind up the club.
