Gold Coast SUNS players Zac Smith and Josh Toy this week put smiles on the faces of a group of children who have been affected by domestic violence, grief and loss. The players visited local not-for-profit organisation Paradise Kids, based in Arundel, on Monday for an afternoon of footy fun in the park.

There was an inflatable AFL field, mini Sherrins galore, handball and kicking comps, giveaways, followed by a question and answer session with the players.

Zac Smith said the burning questions centred on girlfriends, height, food and the colour of the club jumpers.

“Some of the kid’s questions took us by surprise, they weren’t really very football related!

“Seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing some of the things they have been through, it’s a really nice feeling. It’s a small way for our footy club to help the local community, and those less fortunate than ourselves,” he said.

Toy, who says he would love to be a teacher if he wasn’t a footballer, was captivated by one little boy who was a living “mini-me” of the bubbly, blonde haired twenty year old.

“He actually looks identical to what I did when I was little! Except I would have been wearing a footy guernsey. Do you think I could run out on field with him when I play my eleventh game?

“In all seriousness though, being here today was a lot of fun. We have a great opportunity as AFL players to get out in the community and bring some happiness into these kids lives.”

The Gold Coast SUNS strongly support a focus on Respect and Responsibility to both women and children within the community. As one of the three charity pillars, the Club aims to make a difference in the community through the awareness, activity and fundraising for various community and charity organisations.

To learn more about the Club’s community programs and initiatives, click here.