South Island United

South Island United Football Club is a men's professional association football club based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 2025, the club is owned and operated by Christchurch United and will compete in the OFC Professional League (OFCPL) beginning with the 2026 season. It is the third professional football club in New Zealand after Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC and the first in the South Island. South Island United was formed in 2025 as the professional branch of Christchurch United, one of New Zealand’s most successful football clubs. The creation of the new club followed Christchurch United's successful bid for entry into the newly established OFC Professional League, announced by the Oceania Football Confederation in August 2025. The professional franchise was launched to represent the entire South Island region rather than a single city or club, aiming to unify the island's football community and provide a development pathway for young players. Club officials described South Island United as a "team for all South Island footballers", highlighting collaboration with clubs across the Southern League and Mainland Football region. The club unveiled its name and branding in October 2025, confirming that South Island United would operate under the ownership of Christchurch United but maintain a distinct identity, kit, and management structure.