Across the month, Gold Coast will compete against the league’s finest from the Brisbane Lions Academy, GWS Giants Academy, Northern Territory, Sydney Swans Academy and Tasmania.

The SUNS first face off against the Lions at Brighton Homes Arena this Sunday, 5 July before returning south of the M1 for Rounds 2 and 3 to face an opponent in Pool B.

Pool B match-ups for Round 2 and 3 will be confirmed following the completion of Round 1.

26 talents have been named in the Round 1 squad including three Northern Queensland products in Zahn Bugeja(Mackay), Travis Larkins (Cairns) and Xavier McWhinney (Capricornia) in addition to bottom-age duo Buckley Snare (2011) and Hugo McBride (2011).

StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U16M Coach John Deitz said the young SUNS showed plenty of promise in the practice matches leading up to the tournament.

“We learned that we have to bring really strong effort and intensity every time we go out there,” Deitz said.

“Some really promising performances and great experiences for our athletes to travel and do all the things that are associated with that.”

Cheer on the SUNS when they take on the Lions from 12:45pm this Sunday. All matches will be live streamed on the AFL Play YouTube channel.

Squad list: