The Monaro Panthers are back in the fold, and acknowledge it’s due to the “cost and heartbreak” being felt by the Gungahlin United community, families, and players. Photo: Monaro Panthers.
In an already significant week in the history of football in Canberra, Capital Football has announced a number of major changes to the makeup of the NPL competitions.
With debts exceeding $550,000, the demise of Gungahlin United has left a massive hole in every division of the code in Canberra.
Capital Football has announced that the NPL Men’s division will now increase from 10 to 11 teams, even though Gungahlin is out.
Canberra Juventus is back in the top men’s competition for the first time since 2006, alongside the Canberra White Eagles.
The NPL Women’s division will be a six-team competition following the withdrawal of Gungahlin.
In the NPL Boys, there are significant changes, with the Monaro Panthers, Majura FC, and the West Canberra Wanderers back in the competition after being told they would be relegated earlier this year.
The NPL Boys will now be a 12-team competition.
Bella Monaro is back in the NPL Girls, bringing the number to eight in that division.
In making the announcement, Capital Football called on the Canberra football community to help find a home for the displaced Gungahlin players.
“The unprecedented events of the past week have had widespread impacts not only for those involved at GUFC but also across the broader local football landscape,” it said.
“We encourage the entire football community to remember that GUFC players, coaches and volunteers require support from the loss of their club.
“Players who have had commitments made to them at other clubs should not be affected by this announcement, and their offers and opportunities for development should remain intact.”
Capital Football said if all clubs worked together, the “necessary adjustments” could be made in time to support all players well before the 2026 season kicks off in February.
“Our immediate priority is to support displaced players, particularly juniors, by helping them find new clubs,” it stated.
“In addition, CF is working to create as many playing opportunities as possible in the Gungahlin region for affected National Premier League players following GUFC’s announcement on 18 October.”
The announcement of expanded NPL Men’s and NPL Boys divisions, along with the recall of Bella Monaro into the NPL Girls, has been welcomed by the Monaro Panthers, who campaigned hard to get the Monaro team back into the NPL Boys competition.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with today’s announcement that the 2026 NPLB competition will expand to 12 clubs — this is what we’ve been advocating for all along,” the club said in a statement.
“This is a massive step forward for the game we love, and we congratulate every club invited to participate. The hard work begins now with licensing — and we wish you all well!”
The Monaro Panthers acknowledged their ability to get back into the fold was due to the “cost and heartbreak” being felt by the Gungahlin United community, families, and players.
“[This] decision still feels like the fight was worth it – persistence, passion and unity in football can make a difference,” the club said.
“It’s a shame it didn’t come sooner … but we’ll take it.”
The worry now for Monaro is that, after being told in May they wouldn’t be in the NPL Boys in 2026, some players may have already moved to other clubs.
It could be the same for Majura FC and the West Canberra Wanderers.
