QHow was the Gold Coast SUNS created?

The Gold Coast SUNS has been five years in the making. The AFL has worked in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council, Queensland State Government and local Gold Coast community to establish the possibility of an AFL team on the Gold Coast. Over a five year period prior to the GC17 bid, the AFL conducted a feasibility study which looked at the economic and social viability of a football team and the benefits to the community it would create. The AFL researched local businesses, schools, AFL clubs and community programs to ensure that the Gold Coast would support and embrace AFL on the coast.

The GC17 bid process was led by leading Gold Coast businessman John Witheriff, Brisbane Lions president Graham Downie, Southport Football Club president Alan McKenzie, Gold Coast Bulletin editor in chief Bob Gordon and CEO of the GCCC Dale Dickson. The bid process was formalised on April 22, 2008 and strict criteria involving both on and off-field sustainability was created, this criteria needed to be met in order for the GC17 to be granted an AFL license.

The GC17 bid process established the structural elements and framework of the GC SUNS. The criteria involved creating a strong commercial, economic and community base. Sponsorship, maximising revenue opportunities, engaging the local community and creating our own identity within the diversified Gold Coast community were set objectives met by the bid. The feedback from the community was phenomenal with 42000 Gold Coast residents registering their support for an AFL team on the coast.

On March 31st 2009, Andrew Demetriou officially rewarded GC17 with the 17th AFL license and the GC SUNS will join the AFL in 2011. Carrara football stadium will be redeveloped to accommodate 25000 fans with funding grants from the Gold Coast City Council (20m), Federal and State Government (86m) and 10m from the AFL. The AFL will underwrite the first few years of the GC SUNS. All these measures will ensure the future sustainability of the GC SUNS.

QWhat does the Gold Coast SUNS need to do to be successful?The GC SUNS will have a large supporter base when it enters the league in 2011. 42000 people registered their support before the AFL license was granted and over 9000 people have signed up for a 2010 Inaugural Membership. Ensuring a close relationship with the Gold Coast community by participating in social programs, allows the GC SUNS to ensure future commitments from local businesses and the Gold Coast community. The GC SUNS currently has partnerships with 14 local schools, Surf clubs, 12 local AFL clubs, GC Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, Churches and other community groups. Appointing key administration and football department staff to execute a sustainable business plan and football strategy has been set in place.

QHow many sponsors are supporting the Gold Coast SUNS?We have a Joint Foundation Partner in Hostplus, one Patron Partner in Southport Sharks, five Major Support Partners, nine Official Partners and a number of business partners.

Q Will AFL on the Gold Coast be successful compared to NRL, Super 14 and the A- League?AFL is a fun game to watch and play. The Gold Coast has traditionally been a Rugby League heart land but many people are starting to enjoy AFL as an alternative. The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and there is room for all codes to successfully compete in the region.

QWhat are the Gold Coast SUNS plans until it becomes part of the AFL in 2011?The GC SUNS will put in place various programs in preparation for its entry into the competition in 2011. These include recruiting the correct staff and administration and developing our business model to ensure sustainability and support off the field. Our football department has recruited the best young players from around the country. The team will play in the VFL competition in 2010 before entering the AFL in 2011.QHow will Gold Coast SUNS be different to other AFL clubs?The GC SUNS will be directly involved with local community with various social and community development programs. Compared to other AFL clubs who have had generational support, we must engage the community and grow our supporter base differently to other clubs.

QHow will the Gold Coast SUNS attract sponsors and members considering Queensland has been primarily a rugby driven state?We already have two major sponsors in Host Plus and the Southport Sharks and another 14 sponsorship partners. We have received great feedback from local business communities and corporate partners who believe that there is plenty of growth in the Gold Coast. Although Qld is a rugby mad state, many Victorians are migrating to the Gold Coast and are unable to follow their football teams as easily. Therefore the GC SUNS will be able to offer these expat Victorians an alternative.

QWhat do you look for when recruiting new players?The GC SUNS is obviously a young and upcoming football club and therefore we are trying to find the right mix of age and talent to take part in the VFL so that we can hit the ground running for the AFL competition in 2011.

QIs the Gold Coast SUNS looking at drafting any current AFL players?At the moment we are focusing on our current players and the VFL competition. However 2010 also signals our recruiting timetable and we will be looking at all available options. Through strict guidelines set by the AFL.