Club Statement – Gungahlin United Football Club Incorporated – 18 October 2025

Gungahlin United Football Club (GUFC) acknowledges that, as has been publicly raised, the Club holds a significant debt with ACT Sportsgrounds and a number of other creditors.

Earlier this month, GUFC received a Final Notice from Capital Football, requiring the Club to comply with the conditions outlined in that correspondence by 10 October 2025 or risk not being issued with an NPL Licence for the 2026 season.

Upon receiving this notice, it became evident that the former President had exercised poor financial oversight and that the Executive Committee under his leadership failed to implement adequate governance controls. The Club had significantly overspent within the NPL Men’s program and operated without the necessary checks and balances to ensure financial and operational accountability. This mismanagement directly contributed to the Club’s deteriorating financial position and its inability to meet key obligations.

As a result, both the President and the Executive Committee were requested to stand down, allowing an Interim Executive to be appointed to stabilise operations and restore confidence in the Club’s governance.

Following its appointment, the Interim Executive developed and presented a comprehensive recovery plan to Capital Football and the ACT Government, including engagement with Minister Yvette Berry. The plan outlined GUFC’s genuine commitment to accountability, reform, and long-term financial sustainability. It proposed improved financial management, reduced expenditure, and strengthened governance controls. The plan also introduced regular financial reporting, stricter budget oversight, and recommended that appropriate sanctions be applied to acknowledge past mismanagement while protecting the broader Club and its community and junior programs. This approach offered a realistic and transparent pathway for GUFC to continue within the NPL structure while meeting its obligations responsibly.

As per the declaration of leagues, GUFC was initially advised that licensing constraints would apply only to the NPL Men’s and NPL Women’s programs. Based on this advice, the Club proceeded with its 2026 planning and issued pre-offers to players across both the NPL and Pathways programs. However, Capital Football later changed its position and determined that no NPL licences would be issued to the Club.

After careful consideration, the Interim Executive determined that GUFC’s only viable future was contingent upon retaining an NPL licence. This would have allowed flexibility for revenue generation and repayment of outstanding debts. Without such a licence, it is not feasible or reasonable for the community arm of the Club to bear a debt burden exceeding $200,000 while continuing normal operations.

Accordingly, the Executive Committee has resolved to commence the winding up of Gungahlin United Football Club Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT). Once this process commences, the Club will cease to operate as a registered association. With NPL and Pathways trials currently taking place across Canberra, this decision has been made now rather than delayed to provide clarity and fairness to players, coaches, and families within GUFC’s performance programs. This ensures that all affected players have adequate time and opportunity to trial with other clubs and secure their football future for the 2026 season.

The Executive understands the significant impact of this outcome on players, parents, and volunteers who have contributed immensely to the Club’s success and community presence over many years. However, it was determined that proceeding responsibly and transparently at this stage was the only appropriate course of action given the financial position and the decision by Capital Football not to issue an NPL licence.

It is deeply saddening that the actions and mismanagement of a few individuals have now resulted in the displacement of over 2,000 players plus the coaches, volunteers, and families. The Interim Executive exhausted all available options to preserve the Club’s operations but was left with little or no alternative.

GUFC calls for restraint from those individuals, clubs, and anonymous social media pages that continue to spread negativity and division within the football community. The continued circulation of misinformation, speculation, and targeted commentary towards volunteers and players is not only unhelpful but shameful. Such behaviour undermines the values of respect and community that football is built upon. Those who have chosen to use this situation to attack others or score points within the football landscape should reflect on the damage they cause to the game and to the people who dedicate their time to it. This conduct does not promote the growth or integrity of football in the ACT; it weakens it. At a time when more than 2,000 players are facing uncertainty, this behaviour is disgraceful and unbecoming of anyone who claims to support football.

We encourage these clubs and individuals to engage in self-reflection and urge Capital Football to strengthen its regulation of the NPL Men’s competition to ensure a level playing field where governance, financial compliance, and exorbitant player payments are managed consistently across all clubs.

This is not about the NPL Men’s program alone. It is about the loss faced by more than 2,000 players who may now be without a club or program next season. GUFC urges the broader football community to show respect, empathy, and understanding towards these players, their families, and the many volunteers who have dedicated years to building this club and its legacy.

About GUFC

GUFC has over 2,000 football players of all ages with teams competing in National Premier League (NPL), Masters, State League, Community League, Pathways, Junior League competitive and non-competitive MiniRoos. Our home ground is Harrison District Playing Fields. Join the GUFC community and be part of the passion that unites fans and players alike! Whether you’re cheering from the sideline or stepping onto the pitch, we welcome everyone. Together, let’s celebrate our love for football and create unforgettable memories!