Click here to view the photo galleryAs their name suggests it appears the Gold Coast SUNS are now one of the hottest tickets in town with thousands attending today’s AFL Junior Gala sign on day at the Broadwater Parklands precinct at Southport.

While thousands have used the day to resign with their existing Gold Coast Club, all twelve local teams reported a significant boost in New players.

Gold Coast SUNS Community Programs Manager Corey Bell saying the first official day of Gold Coast SUNS Community Camp had been a tremendous success.

“We were blessed with a terrific Gold Coast day and a great turn out from not only the Gold Coasts AFL community, but also the wider community who have a genuine interest in getting to know our players and the game a little better as we approach the start of the season.”

“To hear so many of the areas junior Clubs saying that they have attracted strong numbers of new and first time players is incredibly pleasing because it is a genuine indicator that our Community programs from Auskick right through to days like today are not only being well attended, but genuinely enjoyed and appreciated.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chairman John Witheriff was particularly impressed with the attitude of the Clubs players who have quickly embraced the Gold Coast Community. Despite coming together from all corners of the country.

Mr Witheriff said, “The thing that I like the most is that I look around at our players and there’s smiles everywhere and they are genuinely enjoying mixing with people who want to mix with them, so what a great day.”

The Clubs first official AFL encounter may be just fourteen days away, however for the for next three days, the focus of the Club will be on engaging with the local community which also includes the rapidly expanding Northern Corridor. It’s an area which GC SUNS player Karmichael Hunt is very keen to work with.

“ We are the Community in a sense and it’s important to give them back as much as we can, from a playing point of view we need to entertain them on Game Day and then away from the field we are role models and need to show and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and having the commitment to strive for your goals.” Karmichael said.

GC SUNS are off into the schools on Monday to launch the suns new schools programs.

They will visit and connect well over 10,000 students on the day as part of the launch and this will tally close to 15 - 20,000 for the 3 days of the camp.