Canberra City Soccer Club was formed in 1976 to participate in the newly formed Australian National Soccer League (NSL) which commenced competition in 1977. Funded by a small group of foundation members and local business sponsors the club’s first matches were played before large enthusiastic crowds at Manuka Oval and then at the newly built Bruce Stadium (now Canberra Stadium).

Canberra City played as Canberra Arrows in the early ‘80’s, but under a revamped competition in 1986, Canberra City was culled from the national competition. Notable soccer identities of those early years included; Johnny Warren, Canberra City’s first coach, (and ‘City Old Boys’ player ), Tony Henderson, club captain and player destined to become a Marconi Soccer Club icon, Harry Williams (Aus rep.) Duncan Cole (NZ rep) and Ian Callaghan (Liverpool and England). Local youngsters Danny Moulis, Milan Milanovic, and Steve Hogg started their football careers with Canberra City.

In the early ‘90’s Canberra City men achieved considerable Premiership success and more recently won the Federation Cup in 2005 under the coaching guidance of an ex player from the ‘80’s era, Steve Bryant.
Also in 2005, Canberra City Premier League Women won just about everything on offer under the guidance of 2005 Women’s Coach of the Year, Pat Mills.

In 2009 Canberra City had one of its most successful seasons with late challenge at the premiership title, earning first grade coach Pat Caggianno ACT coach of the year, Pat Ross-Magee player of the year, and James Perry number 3 player of the year.

Canberra City currently participates in Capital Football’s Men’s Premier League in 4 divisions, Men’s and Women’s State League, and Women’s Masters. As part of the men’s Premier League, Canberra City fields two youth teams, Under 16 and Under 18 men’s Premier League a Pathway Team (reserves) and First Grade side.

Canberra City has formed a partnership with one of Canberra's fastest growing club's, Gungahlin United Football Club to develop juniors and advance Premier League Football in Canberra's northern regions.

Canberra City is proudly sponsored by the Magpies Sports Club Group of licensed clubs.

The club’s patron is the local Federal Member for Fraser, Bob McMullan MP.