The Gold Coast SUNS will continue to strengthen its connection across the Gold Coast, and in Northern New South Wales, when the regions play host to the 2016 Australia Post AFL Community Camp.

The GC SUNS 2016 playing list will spread across the city and south of the border for the #aflcommunitycamp, completing clinics and school appearances on the Gold Coast and in Ballina, Lismore, Byron Bay and the Tweed during the week commencing Monday February 8.

General Manager of Stadium, Consumer & Community – Kelly Ryan, is thrilled the GC SUNS 2016 AFL community camp will be based on the Gold Coast and throughout Northern New South Wales

“The Gold Coast SUNS was established in 2009 and we exist because our community wanted an AFL club and was prepared to rise up and run a successful campaign to secure an AFL licence. Therefore it’s a great opportunity to reward our community by hosting the camp on the Gold Coast and throughout Northern New South Wales.

“The Gold Coast SUNS are delighted to be in a position to strengthen our connection with the city’s local community, and continue to build on our commitment in Northern New South Wales.

“Our playing group and staff all understand the importance and benefits of community camps, and this will be a terrific opportunity to thank our fans and members across the coast on the eve of the 2016 season,” she added.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean said the Australia Post AFL Community Camps is the first major event on the 2016 AFL calendar and allows players to give back to local communities.

“Before the first Sherrin is bounced in season 2016, the Australia Post AFL Community Camps start the year with players visiting over 60 locations right across the country allowing them to share their collective passion for the game by bringing people together and promoting participation at the grassroots level.

“More than ever before, we are seeing players drafted from all corners of Australia so it’s important that the next generation get the chance to meet their heroes and maybe even take part in an AFL super clinic run by them.

“But overall, the most important people in our game are no doubt the fans and the camps are a chance for the clubs and players to recognise the support they receive first-hand.

“During the 2014/2015 camps, over 95,000 school students had visits from AFL players and in 2016 we’re looking to exceed this number as the AFL Clubs concentrate on a dedicated school blitz, while also taking part in the traditional AFL super clinics out in the communities amongst other activities,” Mr Lethlean said.

562 schools were visited, 14,907 children participated in AFL super clinics and 3,760 people visited in aged care facilities and hospitals as part of the 2014/2015 Australia Post AFL Community Camps.