SAVE CANBERRA UNITED

Save Canberra United: A Campaign for the Future of Women’s Football

The Save Canberra United campaign was born out of a deep-rooted commitment to preserve and promote women’s football in Canberra. Facing the imminent threat of losing our A-Leagues team Canberra United, the community rallied together, demonstrating remarkable solidarity and support. Through petitions, crowdfunding, and relentless advocacy, Save Canberra United successfully helped to secure the future of the team for Season 17.

Beginnings: The Threat to Canberra United

In early 2024, Canberra United FC, the only state federation-managed A-League team, faced a precarious future. The team was at risk due to a lack of corporate funding and private investment, coupled with increased expenses following the expansion of the competition. This sparked concern among fans, players, and the wider community, who feared the loss of a vital part of Canberra’s sporting identity.

The Launch of Save Canberra United

In response to these challenges, a dedicated group of supporters launched the “Save Canberra United” campaign in early March 2024. The campaign aimed to secure the future of the women’s football team and ensure continued opportunities for women and girls in football in Canberra. The first step was creating a petition on Change.org, which quickly gained momentum. The petition called for immediate action from Capital Football and other stakeholders to secure the team’s future.

Community Mobilisation and Fundraising Efforts

The campaign garnered widespread support, with over 5,700 signatures collected within weeks. This show of support underscored the community’s commitment to preserving the team. To further bolster efforts, the campaign launched a crowdfunding page on Chuffed.org, aiming to support the team’s operational costs and ensure their participation in the upcoming season. Remarkably, the campaign reached $50,000 in just 5 days, thanks to the generous contributions of fans and supporters.

Formation of Canberra Women’s Football Inc (CWF)

To provide a structured and sustainable platform for ongoing support, the campaign leaders established Canberra Women’s Football Incorporated (CWF). CWF’s primary objective is to promote and develop women’s football in the ACT region. Through initiatives such as Save Canberra United and The Greenery (a newly formed active supporters’ group), CWF aimed to foster community engagement and empowerment while supporting the growth of women’s football.

Advocacy and Engagement with Stakeholders

CWF actively engaged with local clubs, businesses, and government representatives to advocate for the team. A significant milestone was the presentation of the petition to the ACT Legislative Assembly on April 10th, 2023. This event highlighted the community’s united stance and pressured decision-makers to take action. CWF’s efforts also led to constructive discussions with Capital Football, resulting in the ACT Government providing an additional $200,000 in funding. Capital Football subsequently committed to a 17th season for the Women’s A-League team.

Continued Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

Despite these successes, the campaign faced ongoing challenges. Communication with Capital Football remained a critical issue, with concerns about the management structure and player contracts. CWF continues to advocate for clarity and transparency, emphasising the need for a robust management system to ensure the team’s long-term viability.

Transition and Future Plans

Having recognised the need for a broader organisational framework early and forming the legal entity Canberra Women’s Football, CWF have now announced a rebranding of their social media profiles to reflect their expanded role in supporting women’s football. This transition marks a new chapter in the journey, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a supportive and sustainable environment for women’s football in Canberra.

The Save Canberra United campaign is a testament to the power of community activism and the unwavering support for women’s sports. Through persistent advocacy, strategic fundraising, and collaborative efforts, the campaign has made significant strides in securing the future of Canberra United. CWF remains dedicated to promoting inclusivity, equity, and increased participation in women’s football, ensuring that Canberra continues to thrive as a hub of excellence for women’s sports in the Nation’s capital.