AFL SportsReady trainee graduate Thomas Beverley has been awarded the HOSTPLUS Rising Star award at a special graduation ceremony in Brisbane for his outstanding work with the Gold Coast SUNS memberships services team.

The vibrant 21-year-old has been one of the GC SUNS shining off-field recruits since joining the Club on a traineeship, working hard across areas of the business with a focus on building memberships and strengthening existing relationship with club members.

AFL SportsReady QLD State Manager – Shane Johnson said the North Queensland student had been a stand-out candidate for the prestigious award.

“Thomas, originally from Cairns, beat 80 other candidates for the Gold Coast role and proved to be a stand out choice, excelling in his role with the memberships team,” Mr Johnson said.

“He was a dynamic worker and student, and received several written testimonials from happy members who had dealings with him last year.

After completing his traineeship with the GC SUNS, the club was eager to retain Beverley’s services and promoted the Bond University graduate to the role of Membership Program Administrator.

“The Suns had no hesitation in giving him ongoing work once he completed his Certificate III in Business and he is now combining the work with further studies at Griffith University.”

GC SUNS Membership Manager - Simone Haugh, said the club was proud to be providing pathways for students interested in breaking into the sports industry.

“As a club, we are always looking to help students within our local community gain valuable work experience to assist with their studies, as a means to better prepare themselves for life outside of school/University,” said Haugh.

“As demonstrated by Thomas, there’s always the potential of landing career opportunities through traineeships or work experience.”

With the Gold Coast SUNS having completed over 10,000 hours in the community since their inaugural season in the AFL,  Haugh said the club was always looking for friendly volunteers that were interested in getting amongst the action.