Just over 2,500 students across 26 schools were taken through the SHINE program in 2012, while the MSP reached more than 800 culturally diverse children by using AFL as a communications means to integrate international students, migrants and refugees into the wider community.
Speaking to goldcoastfc.com.au prior to this afternoon’s Quiksilver Foundation charity announcement, GC SUNS Community Manager Corey Bell said that the overwhelming response for the two community initiatives was a reflection on the importance of having such program included in Queensland’s school curriculums.
“The SHINE schools program continues to build stronger each year, and to see it in such high demand demonstrates how well the program had been received by the school communities,” said Bell.
“We’ve also had great interest in the MSP program since its inception into the SUNS Community Calendar… to be able to provide support to those from a multicultural background that find it hard to transition into our community is incredibly rewarding.”
With many of the students showing a strong desire take up recreational sport through the program, the SUNS are doing their part to encourage AFL participation by offering SHINE participants a special $100 discount off their registration fees to joining the AFL Gold Coast Juniors competition.
“Throughout the school visits, a number of students that have taken part in the SHINE program have indicated to the Gold Coast SUNS players and staff members that they would like to play AFL either through their school-sport programs or at a Club level,” Bell said.
“We’re looking forward to delivering the programs into other communities this year as we target towards achieving the milestone of 5,000 community hours through the SUNS school visits, charity fundraisers and community events.”
To register your interest in the SHINE program or the MSP program contact GC SUNS community officers Ryan Davis at ryan.davey@goldcoastfc.com.au or Michael Gugliotta at michael.gugliotta@goldcoastfc.com.au
