As part of a review into the Academy programs in North Queensland, the SUNS Academy have made some changes to the North Queensland Under 17s male and female programs, to further assist with the development of players in regional areas in the talent pathway. 

The program will be open for any male and female athletes born from 2007-2009 who wish to participate in a 2 week open trial commencing on 4th December in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and the Capricornia regions. Athletes will participate in fundamental skill testing, decision making drills and athletic testing through the 5 sessions prior to Christmas.

Following these sessions a North Queensland Squad of 44 males and 32 females will be selected to participate in training in their specific region through January to March, culminating in a camp in Townsville for females from 1-3 March, and a camp for males in Townsville from 8-10 March.  

From these camps a number of male players will be selected for the next stage of the pathway with zone championships games on the Gold Coast in April, which will see players have the opportunity to be selected in the SUNS Under 16s squad to play in the AFL National Development Carnival in June/July. Female players will have the opportunity to be selected directly into the SUNS Under 16s side to play in the AFL National Development Carnival in April or the SUNS Under 18 side to play in Coates League games during the season.  

To register to trial in your region please use the below link:

https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/b1e2d5 

Information about SUNS programs for North Queensland based Under 13-15 players will be released in the coming weeks.