Despite a surge in enthusiasm driven by the success of The Matildas at the Women’s World Cup, financial challenges threaten the team’s existence. Rising operational costs, coupled with limited ACT Government Funding and unique management by Capital Football, means our team is in danger of having played their last season in the A-Leagues. Without immediate support, we risk losing this vital pillar of our community.
Our players and coaching staff are understandably worried that they won’t have a role at Canberra United if the funding issue isn’t secured. We know players will be looking to sign with other clubs for next season if they don’t get certainty soon about the 2024/25 season. We do not want to lose our Canberra United team due to funding woes. We will be asking our local ACT Government to also increase their funding of our team to help secure our financial future. We believe that Canberra United deserves our support and investment.
Canberra has come to embrace Canberra United and we have shown, over 16 seasons, that we are with them all the way through the highs and lows of football life. Canberra United has the unwavering support of our community. We are members and fans whose passion and dedication to our team is a testament to Canberra United’s success, it’s strength, and above all the team’s solid and abiding connection to our community.
Our beloved Canberra United has been the incubator for so many wonderful Matildas like Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Lydia Williams, Ash Sykes, Ellie Carpenter and Clare Hunt. Without them, we would not have the Matildas team that is playing now and had such spectacular success at the World Cup. Canberra United provides a valuable and important pathway for girls and women to play top-level football, and they are important role models for aspiring players.
The following has been set up as a petition on Change.org:
To Members of the Capital Football Board and the ACT Government,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the uncertain future of Canberra United, our beloved women’s football team. Canberra United has been a cornerstone of our community and a source of pride for women’s sports in the region since its inception in 2008.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Canberra United is its unwavering support from the local community. Every match, our team is backed by the strongest home crowd, whose passion and dedication are recognised in every broadcast commentary of the games. This level of support is not just a testament to the team’s success but also a reflection of the community’s commitment to women’s sports.
However, recent developments, particularly in light of discussions surrounding the men’s A-league bid, have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of Canberra United. We cannot afford to let our women’s team be overshadowed or neglected in favor of other initiatives. Canberra United deserves continued investment and support, irrespective of other ventures.
Therefore, we urge the Capital Football Board and the ACT Government to confirm their commitment to Canberra United, and prioritise the sustainability and growth of the club by ensuring adequate funding and resources are allocated to the team.