ACT Sport Minister Yvette Berry has described the financial collapse of Gungahlin United Football Club as “distressing,” with the club’s debt surging from an estimated $200,000 to more than $550,000 in recent weeks. The club, based in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, affects over 2,000 players.
Berry said she has been inundated with concerns from the football community and is being kept updated by Capital Football, the sport’s governing body in Canberra. She noted that other clubs are worried about the impact on the sport but expressed confidence that the community will find solutions.
Canberra Olympic is reportedly expanding its footprint north, with a new team called North Canberra Olympic set to join community league competitions. The team would play at Harrison, providing a home for some of the 1,700 former Gungahlin United players at that level. Berry welcomed the initiative, calling it a hopeful development.
Gungahlin United’s interim executive issued a statement on Monday night acknowledging the report about North Canberra Olympic. The executive said it remains focused on ensuring the best outcome for players and families, and is working with Capital Football on a smooth transition. It also welcomed Capital Football’s plan for an expressions of interest process to establish a sustainable football program in the region.
A members meeting is scheduled for November 25 at the Hellenic Club in Woden to discuss winding up the club voluntarily under the Associations Incorporations Act 1991 (ACT). Pre-registration is required for the members-only gathering. The original annual general meeting on November 7 was cancelled due to $7,325 owed to the venue.
The club’s new executive has commenced appointing an administrator and aims to refund players for deposits already paid for upcoming competitions, working with Capital Football on a fair solution.
