The Gold Coast SUNS have broken through the 13,000-member barrier thanks to a family which watched the team live for the first time last weekend.
The Sim family from Tweed Heads South are Carlton fans, but they were anything but blue when they ventured to Metricon Stadium on Saturday to watch the GC SUNS beat fellow expansion outfit the GWS Giants.
Mum Danniele, dad Brendon, and son Tyler enjoyed their first GC SUNS experience so much that they purchased a Gold A family membership this week, and in the process helped the club tick over the 13,000 mark.
Danniele and Brendon are dyed-in-the-wool footy fans, and used to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne just to watch Carlton play, but six-year-old Tyler is now also hooked on the game.
“The family atmosphere at the ground was impressive and Tyler loved playing out the back in the AFL Playground with all of the other kids,” Mrs Sim said.
“Tyler, of course, also had to visit the SUNS Shop and almost instantly purchased his first piece of merchandise; a SUNS hat which did not leave his head for the rest of the weekend.
“All day at the game, Tyler was chanting ‘Go SUNS, go’, and when it was time to tell him the game was finished and we had to go home, he continued to yell ‘Are you FIRED UP, Mum?’ and ‘When can we come next?’.”
GC SUNS General Manager – Marketing, Community and Fan Development, Kelly Ryan, said the club was ecstatic to welcome the Sims to the GC SUNS family, and also to break the 13,000-member mark.
“It was great to hear about how much the Sim family enjoyed their time at Metricon Stadium at the weekend and we are always happy to welcome fans of any club to the GC SUNS as members,” Ms Ryan said.
“Metricon Stadium has twice been voted as having the best fan experience in the AFL and we think it is an ideal environment in which families can watch football.
“Members are the lifeblood of any football club, and we are excited to have 13,000 people who have decided to make that investment in the GC SUNS.”
The GC SUNS still have seven home matches this season at Metricon Stadium, with some of the biggest names in football set to play on the Gold Coast in 2014.
“Our next home game is Sunday, May 25, against the Western Bulldogs. This is Family Day at Metricon Stadium and there will a ton of activities for young footy fans to get involved with,” Ms Ryan said.
“The big guns are on their way in June and July. First up, ‘Buddy’ Franklin and the Sydney Swans visit on June 8, then two weeks later Gary Ablett will come face-to-face with his former teammates as the Geelong Cats play at Metricon Stadium for just the second time.
“We beat them here last season, and on July 5 Collingwood will try to exact revenge when the Magpies come to town. There are too many stars to mention in that team once you start talking about the likes of Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke and Co.
“You can still become a member for season 2014. The GC SUNS have 3 Game memberships available which get you entry to any three games left at Metricon Stadium this season. These memberships cost just $80 for an adult and $30 for juniors.”
To become a member of the GC SUNS, visit goldcoastfcmembership.com.au
