Canberra United captain Michelle Heyman has expressed her profound wish to purchase the club herself, driven by her unwavering belief in its untapped potential. However, as she lacks the personal wealth to acquire the A-League licence from Capital Football, Heyman is instead offering a compelling vision to prospective investors, aiming to secure the team's survival beyond this season.
A Bold Blueprint for McKellar Park
Heyman envisions McKellar Park evolving into a premier soccer hub, not only for Canberra United but for the broader ACT community. Her detailed proposal includes the construction of a new grandstand on the far side of the ground, alongside an expanded high-performance training facility and a dedicated recovery centre. These enhancements, she argues, would benefit both current United players and future generations of soccer stars from the region.
"I know and I truly believe that this could be an incredible business," Heyman stated in an interview with The Canberra Times. "If I was rich enough, I would buy the club myself. I see a vision that I've always wanted here."
She elaborated on the potential of the existing car park area, suggesting it could be repurposed for training and recovery spaces, including meeting rooms. Heyman also emphasised the support from Belconnen Soccer Club, indicating community backing for such developments.
Including a Men's Team in the Vision
Heyman's aspirations extend beyond women's football, as she advocates for the establishment of a men's A-League team in Canberra. "I would always want there to be a men's team, too. I do feel sorry for the ACT boys coming up without a professional program," she added. "I want them to have everything that we have, but it takes a lot, and hopefully the next person who jumps on board who wants to invest in the club can see that. There is a growth pathway here for men's and women's football within the ACT."
Historical Context and Feasibility
Heyman's vision for McKellar Park is not without precedent. The site was previously considered as a potential location for a "Home of Football" high-performance training facility, a project that was ultimately abandoned in Throsby. This earlier interest sparked debate within Capital Football, with some stakeholders believing McKellar Park would have been a superior choice.
Additionally, the bid group led by Michael Caggiano investigated McKellar Park as a possible training base for a new A-League Men's team, further underscoring its viability as a soccer hub.
Financial Strain and Urgent Need for Investment
As Canberra United's 2025-26 A-League regular season concludes and finals approach, the club faces a familiar yet critical financial predicament. For the third consecutive year, Capital Football has declared it can no longer sustain the financial burden of operating United, citing the strain on community soccer operations.
Unlike previous seasons where last-minute reprieves were granted, Capital Football's chief executive, Samantha Farrow, is adamant that this pattern cannot continue. "Capital Football cannot afford to keep investing in Canberra United, especially as it becomes more professional, which is what this league needs to happen," Farrow explained on ABC Radio. "We're just no longer able to cover those costs without long-term investment."
Farrow also noted that the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) is engaged in discussions with a potential investor interested in taking over Canberra United, with the possibility of adding a men's team in the future. However, updates from the APL have been scarce since initial reports surfaced last year.
Heyman's Stance on APL Involvement
Despite the APL's recent intervention to manage Central Coast Mariners, Heyman opposes the idea of the governing body stepping in to run Canberra United temporarily. She believes the APL should concentrate on delivering a high-quality domestic competition rather than operating individual clubs.
With options dwindling, the future of Canberra United hinges on the swift confirmation of a new investor. Heyman's vision for McKellar Park serves as a rallying cry, highlighting the club's potential to become a cornerstone of soccer development in the ACT, provided financial stability can be achieved.
