Michelle Heyman with two young Canberra United fans. Photo: Save Canberra United Facebook.
Until the ACT Government’s announcement of a two-year funding package for Canberra United, there were significant concerns about the club’s ability to participate in the upcoming A-League season.
The government has effectively doubled its commitment to $400,000 a season for 2025/26 and 2026/27.
It means Capital Football, which has run the women’s A-League team since the competition started in 2008, can now head into the market to sign a coach and players.
The timeframe is tight given the uncertainty of the team surviving, with the A-League starting on 31 October.
While it is great news for the players, coaches and fans, the future of the club is by no means guaranteed despite the government funding for the two-time champions.
Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow confirmed as much in a statement welcoming government funding.
“The club is extremely appreciative of the continued financial support of the ACT Government and is now in the process of appointing the coaching staff and assembling a playing roster to participate in the league,” Ms Farrow said.
“We strongly reiterate that this will be the final season that Capital Football will be running Canberra United. As stated previously, with the growth of the team, the competition and the associated financial commitments have become too large for a member federation to adequately manage to the professional standards that these players deserve.”
The stance taken by Capital Football is understandable given that its primary focus and responsibility is participation, running competitions at the local level, and the Kanga Cup.
Every other team in the A-League is run by a body separate from the member federation.
The continuing battle for proponents of a Men’s A-League team, which would also be part of Canberra United, is to find a financial backer with deep pockets.
Despite rumours over the years of such a backer, none have been forthcoming, adding to the frustration for Capital Football and Canberra United.
