The Gold Coast SUNS continued their assault in the north Gold Coast region today, pushing into the neighbouring suburbs on day two of the club’s 2014 Australia Post Community Camp. 

Michael Rischitelli, Steven May and new kid on the block Jack Martin visited Browns Plains High School, making a special appearance at the schools’ annual swimming carnival at Greenbank Aquatic Centre.

At Parkridge State High School, six of the club’s best chefs in Tom Nicholls, Josh Hall, Aaron Hall, Clay Cameron, Tim Sumner and Alex Sexton showed Year 12 students how to whip up a Thai Beef Salad, with many of the students studying AFL as part of AFL Queensland’s School of Excellence program.

Park Ridge’s Head of Health and Physical Education, Craig McBrien told aflq.com.au it was great for the kids to meet some AFL players and learn from them.

“I think it just keeps it in perspective. Your idols or those guys playing seem untouchable.

“When they come out to schools, the kids can put a face to a name and realise they’re people who cook their own meals, eat their own meals and prepare for games similarly to them.”

“It gives a more realistic edge to the (AFL) program as well.” 

Although a lover of all foods, Nicholls confessed his cooking skills were not as sharp as Parkridge’s hospitality class. 

“Beef stir fry’s probably my go-to, but it drops off a bit after that,” he said.

Always a fan favourite, Rischitelli told SUNS TV it was great to give back to the club’s local fans through the 2014 Australia Post Community Camp. 

“It’s so good to be able to keep it local this year, and give back to the community as much as we can because that is where it all starts,” he said.

“We love getting out into the community, and for some of these kids, exposure to elite sports players is limited so it’s a good thing that we can do.”

And as the Gold Coast SUNS northern growth corridor ambassador, Rischitelli is well informed of the significant social benefits the annual camp provides youth in the Beenleigh & Logan district, with many families in the region battling cultural division. 

“To have the community camp not just in Queensland, but in the northern growth corridor is also a fantastic opportunity for the club.

“The area has, and will continue to be, a huge focus for us going forward and hopefully we can continue to have a strong impact in the local community.”