Gungahlin United's players are committed to chasing a National Premier League championship after accepting less money than they were originally offered.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The majority of the star-studded squad will remain for the club's inaugural season in the Capital Football top flight after a players-only meeting on Thursday night.
The players have had their sign-on fees honoured, but their match fees reduced because the club is unable to meet its financial obligations.
Sponsors left the club after the departure of the club's premier league vice-president Darren Phillips and former Socceroo Andy Bernal, who held a scouting role.
Technical director Nigel Richardson also recently handed in his resignation, with the club searching for his replacement so it can meet the requirements for its one-year NPL licence.
A Gungahlin United player said the troubles off the field had been a distraction, but the squad was focused on living up to its potential.
"We've lost a little bit of faith in the club in that sense," the player said. "One of the attractive features of the club was its financial stability.
"Then, of course, we found out that wasn't the case, we were a bit dubious, but we decided to stick it through and see how we go."
Gungahlin United had bold ambitions of challenging for the NPL title and qualifying for the prestigious FFA Cup in its inaugural season after going on a signing spree.
Players signed to the club include Canberra FC captain Matt Grbesa, golden boot winner Stephen Domenici and former Capital Football premier league player of the year, Dustin Wells.
"It was more the playing group," the player said of why they agreed to play this season.
"We get along really well and that was the driving force to stay together.
"We've got a few talented guys and we can definitely push for top spot."
A couple of players were missing from the meeting on Thursday night, which also included assistant coach Mitch Stevens.
The players will hold a training session on Saturday morning, but said they don't know if the club has scheduled any trial matches before the start of the season.
"The boys are pretty keen to get things rolling," the player said.
"We've committed to it and the club has told us where they are financially and we've agreed to it and that's what we want to do.
"All systems are go now."
Gungahlin United will open the NPL season against defending grand final winners Belconnen United at McKellar Park on April 11.
