Twenty thousand members and one AFL Premiership in three years, that’s the commitment from Gold Coast SUNS Chairman John Witheriff as he officially launched 20-ONE-3, by far the boldest undertaking in the Clubs short history.
From the outset, the GC SUNS have stated that they aspire to be the most exciting sporting team in Australia; however the announcement of the 20-ONE-3 strategic vision clearly defines the Clubs intent.
Witheriff confirmed the board, management, staff and players of the Gold Coast SUNS have committed to 20-ONE-3, a vision which will not only allow the Club to achieve sustained success, but also entrench the Gold Coast AFL team across South East Queensland, throughout North Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
"Achieving 20-ONE-3, twenty thousand members and an AFL Premiership within three years will require hard work and a commitment from our players, our staff and our community."
“We are well aware our targets are bold, however it is this boldness that has got this Club and this Community to where it is today. Witheriff said.
The Clubs inaugural Chairman and the man behind the successful bid to see AFL football return to the Gold Coast said the Club’s 20-ONE-3 vision would only be realised through hard work from the GC SUNS playing group and administration, coupled with increased and continued support from the Gold Coast and Queensland AFL community.
“The hard work is already being done on and off the field. We’ve bolstered our coaching staff, recruited the best high performance team in the country and strengthened our playing list. As a Club we are committed to providing an environment of high performance for our playing group which we are confident will translate into success for the team, the Club and our city.”
The Chairman also stressed the importance of support for the GC SUNS through membership from sports fans across the Gold Coast region and the Club’s emerging regional supporter catchment areas.
"The Gold Coast SUNS is a member owned Club relying on the commitment and the support of the community to achieve a 20-ONE-3 vision which will benefit everyone across the city and throughout our catchment areas."
“We have demonstrated that we are more than a sporting team, we are a vehicle for the Gold Coast and its business community to prosper.”
The GC SUNS Chairman said with the support of GC SUNS fans across the country the Club would achieve the vision and deliver its community an AFL Premiership.
"As Chairman of the GC SUNS I am both extremely passionate and confident we will achieve 20-ONE-3. We are willing and able to achieve our goals, however we need you to back us and purchase a membership which will then enable us to deliver a Premiership for the Gold Coast."
GC SUNS achievements and commitment
What we have done:
- Built Metricon Stadium providing the Gold Coast and SE QLD with an invaluable multipurpose arena which will be the centre piece of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
- Delivered an AFL fan and venue experience at Metricon Stadium ranked number 1 in 2011 and 2012
- Raised participation rates (figures)
- Enticed 63,000 interstate visitors to attend 19 home and away games
- Attributed millions of dollars directly to the Gold Coast economy
- Dedicated additional coaching and high performance resources to fast track development
- 10,000 hours of meaningful community work in the last two seasons
- Taken the Gold Coast brand across the country as part of the national AFL competition.
What we will continue to do
- Challenge our players to push themselves to develop as a team and individually as quickly as possible.
- Maintain our focus on recruiting the best people available and remain focussed on our goal to create a culture of high performance.
- Ensure our players remain amongst the most open and accessible in the competition.
- Leave no stone unturned in our quest to retain the best fan and stadium experience in the competition for our members
- Continue to promote the Gold Coast as the perfect destination to travel and watch opposition teams play.
- Increase our commitment and exposure to fans in North Queensland and Northern New South Wales
- Continue to boldly look outside the square for innovative ways to engage our existing fans and entice new game day attendees to support the GC SUNS through membership.
- Remain focused on delivering significant social and economic benefits to the Gold Coast.
What we need you to do
Play your role; join as a Gold Coast SUNS member
To take your seat as a GC SUNS Member by visiting our membership website here or call 1300 661 933
20 ONE 3
Twenty thousand members and one AFL Premiership in three years, that’s the commitment from Gold Coast SUNS Chairman John Witheriff as he officially launched 20-ONE-3, by far the boldest undertaking in the Clubs short history.