In response to the collapse of Gungahlin United, Canberra Olympic has announced the establishment of a new northside team, providing support for approximately 1,700 displaced community players. This initiative aims to ensure that these players can continue their soccer journey without leaving their northern suburbs.
Canberra Olympic plans to name the new team North Canberra Olympic, which will play at the Harrison Playing Fields in the upcoming season. The club will leverage the expertise of former Gungahlin United coaches and organizers to form sub-committees for the new team. Backed by the financial stability and governance of Canberra Olympic, this venture offers a promising future for players impacted by Gungahlin United’s demise.
The disbandment of Gungahlin United, which was burdened by debts exceeding $550,000, left around 2,000 players without a club. While approximately 300 players from the National Premier Leagues (NPL) program quickly sought opportunities elsewhere, many community players faced uncertainty as registration for the new season had yet to open. Concerns arose regarding the capacity of other northside clubs to accommodate such a large influx of players, especially given the limited availability of soccer fields in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The swift action taken by Canberra Olympic to provide a solution was positively received by both Capital Football and the ACT Government. These organizations have been under pressure from affected players, families, and community members in the rapidly growing region of Canberra, where the demand for soccer opportunities continues to rise.
Plans and Collaborations for North Canberra Olympic
A meeting was held on Sunday between Canberra Olympic and former members of Gungahlin United to finalize plans for North Canberra Olympic. Discussions included the potential for both North Canberra Olympic and Canberra Olympic to compete in the same community league competitions. If approved by Capital Football, this arrangement would allow for separate teams consisting of players who cannot be shared between the two teams.
This development comes after a previous proposal for a merger between Canberra Olympic and Woden Valley Soccer Club, which aimed to enhance junior registrations and expand the NPL program. Despite the appeal, the proposal did not gain the necessary committee approval. The formation of North Canberra Olympic presents a new opportunity for Canberra Olympic to grow its membership without the need for a merger.
As Gungahlin United approaches its wind-up process, the interim executive committee has scheduled a meeting for November 25 at the Hellenic Club in Woden. This gathering will allow members to discuss the voluntary winding up of the club, as outlined in the Associations Incorporations Act 1991 (ACT). Pre-registration is required for attendees, following the cancellation of the original annual general meeting that was set for November 7.
The establishment of North Canberra Olympic not only provides a lifeline for players displaced by Gungahlin United’s closure but also signifies a proactive approach to community soccer in Canberra. As the clubs and governing bodies work together, the future of soccer in the northside region appears to be brighter, ensuring that players have access to opportunities that foster their love for the game.
