2024 brought 642 hours of eLearning engagement—equivalent to 257 AFL games or 11 full AFL seasons—demonstrating the SUNS Learning LMS ability to connect communities, inspire participants, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Since 2020, the Gold Coast SUNS, in partnership with Playbk Sports, have leveraged this club-owned Learning Management System (LMS) to bridge geographic divides, save valuable time for staff and players, and create authentic engagement opportunities. From personalised learning for teachers and students to pathways for emerging athletes and grassroots clubs, SUNS Learning empowers participants across Queensland, Northern New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.
Highlights: Engagement and Impact
SUNS Learning saw significant milestones across its flagship programs:
- Play to Your Strengths: With over 4,017 enrolments, this curriculum-aligned program offers both a primary school Student Course and a Teacher Course, the latter recognised as professional learning hours for educators. These courses build resilience, foster personal growth, and align with national and state curriculum requirements.
- SUNS Fitness: With 1,293 enrolments, this High School PE program promotes physical health and wellbeing, supporting participants in adopting active, healthy lifestyles.
The platform’s measurable success reflects its ability to make a real-world impact while fostering personal and professional development.
Building on Success: SUNS Mindset Lab in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the Gold Coast SUNS are excited to launch the SUNS Mindset Lab, building on the foundation laid by the SUNS Active Lab in 2024. Supported by the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT initiative, the SUNS Mindset Lab will expand its focus to promote holistic health and lifelong activity across the region.
The enhanced platform will include:
- Expanded Content: Modules on mindset, nutrition and others complement physical activity initiatives.
- Personalisation: User profiles and tailored recommendations, enabling flexible participation.
- Inclusivity and Social Engagement: Accessible content, community challenges, and programs that activate participants in in-person opportunities at the Gold Coast SUNS.
SUNS Mindset Lab aims to empower participants while strengthening connections to the club, inspiring healthier, more active communities across Queensland.
Partnerships Powering Progress
The success of SUNS Learning reflects the strength of the long-standing partnership between the and . Together, the organisations have developed a platform that integrates sport, education, and technology to deliver measurable outcomes.
Jon Shepherd, CEO of Playbk Sports, reflected on the partnership’s success:
"Partnering with the Gold Coast SUNS has been an incredible journey. Together, we’ve built a platform that not only educates but also connects communities and delivers lasting impact. SUNS Learning is a testament to what’s possible when sport education and technology come together to drive meaningful change."
Mark Evans, CEO of the Gold Coast SUNS, shared:
"SUNS Learning is more than just an LMS—it’s a tool for breaking down barriers and empowering communities. Our programs have to stretch far and wide across Far North Queensland, the Northern Territory, Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, and the platform allows us to create opportunities across that vast footprint, that extend far beyond the field.
“With the launch of SUNS Mindset Lab in 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum and reach even more people."
The Gold Coast SUNS and Playbk Sports sincerely thank the Queensland Government for their ongoing support through the ActiveKIT initiative. This collaboration has been instrumental in the success of SUNS Learning, the launch of SUNS Active Lab, and the exciting development of SUNS Mindset Lab in 2025.
Next year, SUNS Learning will also unveil a bold new look aligned with the club’s Fearless rebrand, reinforcing its mission to inspire, engage, and empower communities across Queensland and beyond.
As we wrap up 2024, SUNS Learning continues to shine as a powerful example of how sport and education can unite to drive meaningful impact. Looking ahead, the Gold Coast SUNS are committed to building deeper connections, delivering innovation, and creating even greater opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
