Christchurch United Joins Inaugural OFC Pro League Competition

The inaugural OFC Pro League will feature Christchurch United as one of its eight competing teams, marking a significant milestone for professional football in the Pacific region. The league includes teams from Australia, New Zealand, and various Pacific Islands, with a cap of two teams per participating country.

Christchurch United secured their place among four New Zealand bids, joining Auckland FC, which is also part of the league. In contrast, the Wellington Phoenix expressed disappointment over their exclusion and is contemplating legal action against the league’s decision. The league is set to kick off in January 2026 and run until May 2026, coinciding with the A-League men’s season.

League Composition and Structure

The OFC Pro League will consist of clubs from across the region, including South Melbourne (Australia), Bula Boys FC (Fiji), Hekari United FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), and Vanuatu FC (Vanuatu). Each club will play a minimum of 17 matches at four different hubs throughout the season.

Christchurch United’s head coach, Edwards, stated the club has been preparing for this opportunity and is creating an entirely new operational structure for the professional team. This includes assembling a roster of 23 players and hiring additional staff, potentially adding at least 30 new positions to the club.

Edwards projected an increase in their budget from $1.5 million to between $2 million and $3 million within a year, with hopes of reaching $4 million by the third year. The club has already secured sponsorship deals with companies such as Cupra, Heartland Technologies, and United Steel, and discussions with additional sponsors are ongoing.

Player Recruitment and Development Focus

Despite their commitment to the Pro League, Christchurch United aims to maintain a competitive side in the Southern League. Edwards emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent, stating, “If there is professional football in the South Island, our first preference is South Island players.”

The club has already compiled a list of potential recruits, which includes both current first-team members and promising players from other South Island clubs. Edwards expressed that the goal is for the new team to serve as a clear pathway for local talent, reinforcing the club’s commitment to the community.

As the first season of the OFC Pro League approaches, Christchurch United stands ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with this new venture. The league’s formation represents a noteworthy development in the landscape of Pacific football, promising exciting competition and growth for teams involved.