National League / OCL

OFC Professional League

1160 replies · 76,605 views
03 Oct 02:47
SamCoughlan
Chch Utd have said they wanted to register for the competition under a different banner, one that would encompass the entire South Island, but were unable to due to time restrictions, it was easier to be pre-existing entity Christchurch United.

Whether local fans will get behind the team - I personally don't know. Some fans are very parochial and will not want to support Christchurch United. But I think many will at the very least keep an eye on the team with intrigue. It will be good for the local scene if players can come out of the Southern League and be successful at this level.

In my opinion, if the team was registered as Canterbury United/Dragons, or with a wider South Island name, and players/coaches/admin drawn from across the South Island, it would be getting a lot more support.
 100% this, I'd be there every week, but not watching Utd

"You can never get a bloody tradesman at Easter, it's a wonder Jesus got crucified" - Karl Pilkington

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03 Oct 03:36
Well unless in following seasons the hub system is done away with, or a hub is based in Christchurch, the team can be called or structured any which way you want - there will still be no OFC League games to watch live for Cantabs.

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03 Oct 04:20
This wasn't a problem in the 70s, 80s and early 90s when Christchurch United enjoyed excellent support and attracted good crowds.

Times are different now. 

Personally, I like that a club with genuine heritage is still punching at a good level. There have been too many false temporary franchise names over the last 20 years.

I wonder if the beef is about their riches? Or is there more to it?

360footballnews.com

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03 Oct 04:26 · edited 03 Oct 04:27 · History
speaking of which, bring back mount wellington while we're at it
as long as they change their name back to the original and don't call themselves 'mount east bohemians university auckland wellington fu ckity united city wanderers rovers' or whatever they're called now

360footballnews.com

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03 Oct 04:59
reg22
This wasn't a problem in the 70s, 80s and early 90s when Christchurch United enjoyed excellent support and attracted good crowds.

Times are different now. 

Personally, I like that a club with genuine heritage is still punching at a good level. There have been too many false temporary franchise names over the last 20 years.

I wonder if the beef is about their riches? Or is there more to it?

ACFC resentment #2
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04 Oct 03:19
reg22
This wasn't a problem in the 70s, 80s and early 90s when Christchurch United enjoyed excellent support and attracted good crowds.

Times are different now. 

Personally, I like that a club with genuine heritage is still punching at a good level. There have been too many false temporary franchise names over the last 20 years.

I wonder if the beef is about their riches? Or is there more to it?

There's a lot of acrimony in local circles with, yes, Utd's money and the advantages that come with it, but also a lot of allegations of poaching players at junior and youth level away from other clubs in the region.
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04 Oct 03:43
SamCoughlan
reg22
This wasn't a problem in the 70s, 80s and early 90s when Christchurch United enjoyed excellent support and attracted good crowds.

Times are different now. 

Personally, I like that a club with genuine heritage is still punching at a good level. There have been too many false temporary franchise names over the last 20 years.

I wonder if the beef is about their riches? Or is there more to it?

There's a lot of acrimony in local circles with, yes, Utd's money and the advantages that come with it, but also a lot of allegations of poaching players at junior and youth level away from other clubs in the region.

It used to be called making the most of opportunity. It's how football works.
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04 Oct 11:45
It's small-time mentality stuff. In nearly every city and country, the big clubs that have money and win stuff will do things that piss off the small clubs that don't. That's just how the football ecosystem works. We accept it with Auckland FC and the Phoenix because they play in a higher league and provide development and professional opportunities, so why is it not the same with United? 

If anything there's an opportunity for their local opponents to develop more pro players. 
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05 Oct 02:07
LT01
It's small-time mentality stuff. In nearly every city and country, the big clubs that have money and win stuff will do things that piss off the small clubs that don't. That's just how the football ecosystem works. We accept it with Auckland FC and the Phoenix because they play in a higher league and provide development and professional opportunities, so why is it not the same with United? 

If anything there's an opportunity for their local opponents to develop more pro players. 

The Phoenix of have copped plenty of hate for the "youth poaching" stuff. Almost always baseless, but there's certainly some acrimonious about it, maybe less now than in early days but I've heard club people griping about young players joining the academy in the not so distant past.

Valley FC til I die?

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06 Oct 23:54
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/fifa-and-ofc-collaborate-to-prepare-clubs-for-launch-of-ofc-professional-league/

Representatives from the eight preferred clubs, Bula FC (Fiji), PNG Hekari FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), Vanuatu United FC (Vanuatu), Auckland FC and South Island United FC (both New Zealand), and South Melbourne FC, (Australia) attended the two day workshop in Nadi.

Sounds like CUs hopes of getting a combined name/branding off the ground are better than expected?
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07 Oct 00:31 · edited 07 Oct 00:48 · History
That is good news re a South Island FC club branding. Hopefully the squad they put together reflects the title.

And workshop like this bringing in some FIFA & international club experts, is hopefully really useful in imparting some valuable knowledge that helps this new league actually survive.

https://youtu.be/DV_YiP2KLtM

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/fifa-and-ofc-collaborate-to-prepare-clubs-for-launch-of-ofc-professional-league/

As Aickin summed up, the upcoming league represents creating a football economy, inspiring the next generation, and elevating the game across Oceania.
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07 Oct 00:43
Mainland FC would sound a lot better than South Island United, which is a bit of a mouthful imo, but maybe too close to Mainland football.

Could rescue it with a decent nickname/branding though

Valley FC til I die?

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07 Oct 00:49
Nelfoos
Mainland FC would sound a lot better than South Island United, which is a bit of a mouthful imo, but maybe too close to Mainland football.

Could rescue it with a decent nickname/branding though

SIUUU celebration after every goal 

Founder

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07 Oct 01:56
i get it, and as long as it appeals to kids, it is a good thing.

but part of me despairs; it's another temporary name for a temporary thing. no heritage, no existing brand value. and it can be questioned how effective being ultra inclusive is in any case, with niching down often more effective.

new zealand knights. yuck.
everybody fc
universe wanderers fc, sponsored by 3I

the renaming was already done, in 1969 when the name christchurch united was established to represent the region. 
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07 Oct 02:17 · edited 07 Oct 02:21 · History
But Christchurch United is one existing club - a club that some in the Canterbury football community openly don't like - when the idea is trying to get some buy in for this new OFC Pro league team, from all of the South Island. 

As per Nelfoos above Mainland FC is less of a mouthful. Or why not try to get permission to get the Canterbury Dragons moniker reborn? That seemed a successful branding back in the Handy Prem days, even if the squad itself often seemed Cashmere Tech by another name??

I mean this OFC team ain't going to play one home game in Christchurch this season, let alone Dunners or Nelson. Who knows how many seasons the hub arrangement will be continued with. Not sure if it needs a South Island title at this early stage.
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07 Oct 02:50 · edited 07 Oct 03:18 · History
Great name and less syllables then the Wellington Phoenix-  not a mouthful.

Unique across all codes for branding and quite clear to NZers and even some others throughout the world where it is.

Mainland sounds like a mouthful of cheese. 🧀 

Auckland will rise once more

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07 Oct 03:24
SamCoughlan
reg22
This wasn't a problem in the 70s, 80s and early 90s when Christchurch United enjoyed excellent support and attracted good crowds.

Times are different now. 

Personally, I like that a club with genuine heritage is still punching at a good level. There have been too many false temporary franchise names over the last 20 years.

I wonder if the beef is about their riches? Or is there more to it?

There's a lot of acrimony in local circles with, yes, Utd's money and the advantages that come with it, but also a lot of allegations of poaching players at junior and youth level away from other clubs in the region.
 Definitely this, other clubs ripped apart by them poaching the best kids from various other clubs. Tend to be the club that pulls shirts, commits tactical fouls, yell at the ref etc etc (all from ages 12 or so up). I assume it's trained into them.

"You can never get a bloody tradesman at Easter, it's a wonder Jesus got crucified" - Karl Pilkington

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07 Oct 04:00 · edited 07 Oct 04:02 · History
AucklandPhoenix
Great name and less syllables then the Wellington Phoenix-  not a mouthful.

Unique across all codes for branding and quite clear to NZers and even some others throughout the world where it is.

Mainland sounds like a mouthful of cheese. 🧀 

In my world 5 is less than 6, but you do you - you've never let being wrong stop you before.

Valley FC til I die?

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07 Oct 05:14
I’m glad I don’t live in your world 😂

Auckland will rise once more

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07 Oct 05:21
AucklandPhoenix
I’m glad I don’t live in your world 😂


He's right though.

Three for me, and two for them.

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07 Oct 07:41
AucklandPhoenix
I’m glad I don’t live in your world 😂

Yeah probably best, you have to be able to count to survive here

Valley FC til I die?

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07 Oct 08:51 · edited 08 Oct 09:22 · History
Gash name. Striaght out of the franchise book. This club has history, surely it can do better then that.

Look at Central. It uses ACFC, while a franchise name, miles better then SIUFC (which looks very similar to STFU if you’re dyslexic).

How about:  Te Waka a Māui (United/AFC/FC etc). That sounds half decent, is very Polynesian and is the correct Māori name for the South Island.
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites

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07 Oct 08:54
Christchurch United are making an announcement tomorrow. I don't think anyone will be shocked as to what it is.
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07 Oct 09:23
You can see what they are trying to do. Creating a neutral name that doesnt offend. There is a strong feeling of bonding in the SI. Us against those north islanders is an easy sell. Shame there will be no games in the SI. Hard to build a following when you never see the team. However there is scope for pre and post season derbys against the Nix and AFC. For me this is the foundations of a SI ALeague club
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07 Oct 17:58 · edited 07 Oct 17:59 · History
Name change confirmed on social media:

WE ARE SOUTH ISLAND UNITED 🤍🖤

We will be competing in the OFC Pro League under this new name to truly reflect our mission: to represent every football club and player in the South Island.

With coach Rob Sherman and a commitment to Southern League talent, we are ready to build a team that makes our region proud.

#SouthIslandUnited2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPhEKp3Eo2j/
SIU Announcement Graphic.png 44.67 KB


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07 Oct 18:29
And Stewart Island too, apparently.

Valley FC til I die?

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07 Oct 18:30 · edited 07 Oct 18:36 · History
The Christchurch-based OFC Pro League club will be competing as South Island United in the new professional league to reflect its vision of representing all 95 clubs on the Mainland.

“It is our goal to truly represent the entire football community in the South Island and provide a pathway to professional football for all young players in the South,” general manager Ryan Edwards said.

The OFC Pro League bid was submitted under the Christchurch United name because only existing, registered clubs were eligible for consideration.

“It was not realistic to register a new club at short notice, so we are incredibly grateful to Oceania Football and New Zealand Football for allowing us to compete under the terrific banner of South Island United,” Edwards said.

“It was always our intention to be a South Island club and to achieve that we have started discussions with Mainland Football, Football South and all the clubs on how we can best work together to create the best team to represent our region.”

Edwards said that initial discussions have shown widespread support and excitement within the community, but also revealed questions around issues like player movements from other Southern League clubs to the Pro League team.

“We are committed to first consider Southern League players for the OFC Pro League and will shortly organise trials to see which players are interested and who might be able to step up to professional football.”

Any new recruit will return to their home club once the inaugural Pro League season finishes at the end of May to play the remainder of the Southern League with their home club.

“We can only be successful if we are transparent and collaborative with the other clubs, so before any player is invited to a trial or offered a contract, our new Pro League coach, Rob Sherman, will work closely with the clubs involved.”

Once the best South Island players are considered, the coach will look to the North Island, other OFC nations and abroad to strengthen his squad. The club is allowed to sign three OFC players and three other visa players in their squad of 21.

Edwards said setting up a professional franchise in four months has been an exciting challenge, but he is confident South Island United will be ready to make an impression when the season kicks off in 94 days, on January 10.

“We are lucky to have signed an experienced coach with Rob and we have recruited a number of other staff who have worked in professional football around the world, so there can be no excuses.”

The club has also engaged a global leader in sports branding from North America to help create the South Island United logo and team colours.

“That process will take a few months, but I can already tell you that we will not be playing in the blue of Christchurch United, and we want to create a stunning strip that can represent all 95 clubs in the South Island on the international stage.”

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07 Oct 18:40
They only have an MOU with about one club don’t they? How they can label themselves SIU at this stage is beyond me 

Founder

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07 Oct 19:19
Feverish
They only have an MOU with about one club don’t they? How they can label themselves SIU at this stage is beyond me 

From memory from their FB page they had one with Queenstown, Halswell, and one in Nelson.

I let my guitar speak for me

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07 Oct 19:24
The Nelson one is FC Nelson, rather the Nelson Suburbs who are the team in the Southern League so I don't know how many Nelson Div 1 players will be up to the level.

Valley FC til I die?

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07 Oct 19:37
VimFuego
Feverish
They only have an MOU with about one club don’t they? How they can label themselves SIU at this stage is beyond me 

From memory from their FB page they had one with Queenstown, Halswell, and one in Nelson.
 
They better get on the phone to Dunners

Founder

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07 Oct 19:41
Feverish
VimFuego
Feverish
They only have an MOU with about one club don’t they? How they can label themselves SIU at this stage is beyond me 

From memory from their FB page they had one with Queenstown, Halswell, and one in Nelson.
 
They better get on the phone to Dunners

And Oban as well.

I let my guitar speak for me

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07 Oct 19:48 · edited 07 Oct 19:48 · History
How thoroughly uninspiring (and predictable) is that name? 

Jesus, they're playing in a Pacific-centric competition; surely a te reo-influenced name would be the go? Eg: Te Waipounamu Wanderers.....or something.....
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07 Oct 20:02
Rusty Dunks
How thoroughly uninspiring (and predictable) is that name? 

Jesus, they're playing in a Pacific-centric competition; surely a te reo-influenced name would be the go? Eg: Te Waipounamu Wanderers.....or something.....


Too many syllables. 

Three for me, and two for them.

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07 Oct 20:25
And, let's face it, a lot of their support base would go absolutely spare about a name in te reo

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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07 Oct 20:55
It'll be interesting to see if the name change helps bring supporters from other clubs on board or not.

I remember in the early 2000s when Christchurch Technical and Woolston combined to make a national league team and rebranded as 'Christchurch City' to get support from other clubs supporters and it didn't really work
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07 Oct 23:00 · edited 07 Oct 23:06 · History
I can get on board with it, even if the name is a little uninspiring. 

The best name I could think up on the spot was Alpine FC - The prominent fault line runs the length of, and is somewhat the spine of the South Island. 

Nicknamed the Quakers. 🤷‍♂️

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands. 🙃
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07 Oct 23:53
The Premier Hockey League team representing the South Island is called the Alpiners, it's not a bad name.
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08 Oct 00:03
Doloras
And, let's face it, a lot of their support base would go absolutely spare about a name in te reo

Well, I didn't want to say that - but yes......there is a whiff of that!
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08 Oct 00:51
YoungHeartHM
I can get on board with it, even if the name is a little uninspiring. 

The best name I could think up on the spot was Alpine FC - The prominent fault line runs the length of, and is somewhat the spine of the South Island. 

Nicknamed the Quakers. 🤷‍♂️

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands. 🙃

Supporters moniker: the LiqueFaktion
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