Rising stars part of Suns academy program for national championships

SEVENTY teenagers have competed in the Gold Coast Suns Academy under-16 boys zone championships at Oakes Oval in Lismore, as part of the club’s pathway to national representation.

Players from the Northern Rivers, north Queensland and the Gold Coast took part in the round-robin competition, playing in front of academy coaches and selectors.

The championships are a key step in the development pathway, with a final squad of 30 players to be selected to represent the Suns at the national age championships in June.

The Lismore carnival brought together coaches, conditioning staff and support staff, and reflected the depth of emerging talent across the academy’s regional footprint.

Participants also attended education sessions on nutrition and recovery as part of the program.

A Suns Academy spokesperson said the program was designed to support both performance and personal development.

“Our focus is to deliver supportive and high-performing programs across the academy zone that allow everyone involved to feel a sense of belonging to our club, grow as people and achieve their full potential,” the spokesperson said.

“Our vision is to be the best youth academy in the country in identifying, developing and supporting talented players, coaches and staff, while building a legacy for those to follow.”

Established in 2011, the academy provides a pathway for players aged 12 to 19 and now supports more than 1,200 male and female participants across 10 locations in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The academy has continued to expand in recent years, with increased participation across regional areas including the Northern Rivers.

Another round of under-16 boys academy matches is scheduled for the Gold Coast later this year.

Under-16 girls and under-18 sides have already played Brisbane Lions junior academy teams in further high-level development fixtures.