The Gold Coast SUNS have kicked another goal in the award-winning SUNS Learning space, launching SUNS Headstart - an innovative holistic health program in partnership with Playbk Sports.
SUNS Headstart offers a suite of digital courses designed to empower young athletes with the knowledge and skills to take control of their mental and physical wellbeing, bridging the gap between performance and personal growth.
Developed with more than 900 StreetSmarts SUNS Academy athletes in mind with the assistance of the Queensland Government’s ActiveKit Super Round Grants, the application aims to inspire young Queenslanders to become more reflective, self-directed, and connected learners and leaders - on and off the field.
The program embraces a ‘Strong Minds, Strong Performance’ outlook delivered through 10 curated modules covering: Mental Resilience, Nutrition and Hydration, Recovery, Outlets & Balance, Goal Setting, Performance Mindset, Selection and Non-selection, Transition Identity Beyond Sport, Sleep and Pressure in Sport.
Gold Coast SUNS AFLW player and StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate Sienna McMullen joined the Under 16 Girls Academy cohort at Burleigh’s Justins Park for a mindful morning dedicated to Outlets and Balance.
“I’m so excited for the new generation to have so much accessibility to high performance programs, it’s really amazing,” McMullen said.
With the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy having produced record draft hauls in both the AFL and AFLW in recent years, Academy manager Kathleen Newman shared how the platform is a testament to the Gold Coast SUNS commitment to the community.
“We're always looking at new ways to get better and this is the next thing that we can do [to support young athletes],” Newman added.
“This program is not just for the Academy athletes… but also the local football community and all sports outside of it, even young people who don't play sport could get into this and set their goals.
“It's a really good resource for the whole community.”
SUNS Headstart builds on the success of SUNS Active Lab - a tailored fitness tool for teens - and is the fourth stream to be added to the club’s esteemed digital education platform ‘SUNS Learning’ which was recognised at the LearnX Awards last November.
The e-Learning format aids in overcoming geographical and financial barriers for young athletes beyond the Gold Coast, including StreetSmarts SUNS Academy members based in SUNS regional hubs.
Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Officer Mark Evans said:
“We are delighted to deliver another fantastic SUNS Learning initiative for young athletes in partnership with Playbk Sports,” Evans said.
“As a football club, we understand first and foremost the importance of a holistic approach to athletes’ wellbeing.
“With more than 7000 young Queenslanders already accessing our AFL and AFLW player-led learning programs, we hope that SUNS Headstart can empower and support even more young minds in our community.”
Playbk Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder Jon Shepherd said:
“Headstart is about giving young athletes practical tools they can use in real life, not just on game day,” Shepherd said.
“Through SUNS Learning, this impact can now reach young people well beyond the elite pathway”
Sign up to be a SUNS Learner! Visit https://sunslearning.com.au/register/
