PURPOSE: To accelerate the development of identified high-potential athletes, coaches and staff. We exist to strengthen the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club and contribute to long-term success. Our values of Grow, Belong and Achieve are embedded in everything we do.

VISION: To be the AFL's most influential Academy, recognised for leading the industry, developing exceptional people and consistently preparing players for the highest level of football. Our influence is reflected in the quality of players we prepare, the systems we build and the standards we set.

VALUES:

Our aim is to increase the number of skilled Australian football players and coaches in QLD, to grow the national talent pool and as a result increase the level of standard in QLD football competitions.

The StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Program was established in 2011 and provides a high-level junior development program that plays a leading role in building and maintaining a strong AFL culture.

Our programs include up to 1,400 male and female players aged from 12 to 19. The Academy has more than 80 coaches, high performance and support staff who deliver programs across 10 locations in QLD, including:

  • Carrara (SUNS HQ)
  • Coomera
  • Robina
  • Pottsville
  • Gladstone
  • Rockhampton
  • Mackay
  • Bowen
  • Townsville
  • Cairns


WHAT WE ARE:

Player & Team Identity

Gold Coast SUNS Academy teams play a brand of football that allows all individuals to showcase their unique talents within a clearly defined framework centred around the different phases of the game.

During games and training, Gold Coast SUNS Academy teams & players aim to consistently emphasise and demonstrate the following key principles and characteristics.

  • Fundamental Detail
  • Decision Making
  • Discipline
  • Competitiveness
  • Creativity
  • Enthusiasm
  • Team First


Individual Development

The Gold Coast SUNS Academy encourages players to Explore & Discover, developing football capability within a structured environment. Coaches prioritise individual development through a holistic approach, supporting each athlete's journey both on and off the field.

Players are continually challenged technically and tactically in a fast-paced learning environment, with the goal of producing smart, creative, resilient and high-performing athletes.