The Gold Coast SUNS have teamed up with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) to accelerate the next generation of female strength and conditioning coaches in Australian Rules Football.

Beth McLaughlin is the first graduate of the ASCA Women in S&C Advisory Committee (WSCAC) Associateship Program, delivered through the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club, and has since earned further opportunities in the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy and most recently at the Richmond Football Club as the Tigers’ Strength and Conditioning and Return to Play Coach.

With a defining focus on applied learning and professional growth, McLauglin was thrilled to have contributed to the design, implementation and delivery of both the men’s and women’s programs in 2025, under the mentorship of the SUNS’ high performance staff.

"The associateship gave me invaluable first-hand exposure to both male and female AFL high performance environments, an experience that was equally validating as it was eye-opening to the world of high performance sport and the systems in place to keep clubs ticking,” McLaughlin said.

“Having worked in strength and conditioning for over a decade, finally getting a foot in the door at this level is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m particularly thankful to the

ASCA’s Women in Strength and Conditioning Advisory Group for creating such a progressive and impactful opportunity.

“My experience allowed me to confidently step into the environment, contribute to the team and add value through my knowledge and skillset by owning individual roles.

"This opportunity allowed me to remain embedded within the SUNS program working as the Women’s U16 Academy S&C Coach and ultimately provided me with the experience and confidence to pursue an opportunity within the AFLW."

Gold Coast SUNS AFL Head of High Performance Alex Rigby said the club was thrilled for the dedicated practitioner.

“We’re delighted to have played a role in Beth’s journey and we’re incredibly proud of her development during her time at the SUNS,” Rigby shared.

“It’s been pleasing to see Beth transition seamlessly into the Academy and it’s fantastic to see her now translating that experience into a role at the highest level, which is a reflection of both her capability and the intent of this program.”

ASCA President Julian Jones was delighted to learn of the placement’s success, with McLaughlin now well positioned to pursue opportunities in elite high-performance arenas.

“I am very pleased with the Gold Coast SUNS in taking up the opportunity to not only promote women's strength and conditioning coaching but for providing a great environment for Beth to gain experience across all teams, men and women,” Jones said.

“These opportunities are vital to enhance the capabilities of our women coaches as they do not have the same opportunities that men coaches do in the professional space. The greatest gains are made when embedded in the environment with supportive staff and mentors.”