Gold Coast SUNS fans will see some new faces on game day from around the world at Metricon Stadium this season thanks to a club community program funded by the State Government for refugees and migrants.

The 12-month program will provide 100 refugees and newly-arrived migrants the opportunity to volunteer at Metricon Stadium on match days, as well as expose them to the club’s business network, ultimately assisting them in finding full-time work.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes, said he was pleased the GC SUNS had stepped up to take on this community responsibility and make positive use of the profile of the club’s players.

“This partnership recognises the multicultural make-up of the Gold Coast and the interest we have in the culturally diverse community that exists here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Elmes said.

“High-profile sportsmen such as GC SUNS player and Multicultural Ambassador, Tom Nicholls, will mentor and support participants in identifying relevant employment and establishing contacts within the club’s business networks.

“Top sportspeople carry considerable influence, and if they can be advocates and provide business entry for migrants and refugees then it will improve their chances of employment.”

Gold Coast SUNS General Manager, Consumer & Community, Kelly Ryan, said the club was delighted to strengthen its diversity and multicultural community programs by partnering with the Queensland Government.

“As a club we understand the challenges of refugees and new migrants when they come into the country and the success for them individually is very much geared around finding them employment opportunities,” Ms Ryan said.

“It’s important for us as a club to help play a role in order to have them integrate themselves into the Gold Coast community.

“Not only do we do a lot work in the multicultural space in the community, but the Gold Coast SUNS and Metricon Stadium are also one of the largest employers on the Gold Coast.

“We think we are really well versed in order to help deliver this program and take 100 people through the program.”