The Gold Coast SUNS have broken the club’s all-time membership record despite a COVID-19 interrupted 2020 AFL season.

The club has set a new record of 16,236 members in 2020, a 15 per cent increase on the previous record (14,131) set in the SUNS’ inaugural season in 2011.

Significantly, 3043 members signed up since the AFL season restarted in June.

Jason Churchill, wife Kristal, daughter Analise, 18, and son Jett, 10, were one of the first families to sign up as SUNS foundation members in March 2010 and have been members ever since.

Mr Churchill bought Jett a membership five months before he was born.

“We were excited and didn’t want baby Churchill to miss out,” he said.

“Our family has been to every home match since the SUNS first game. I had always been a North Melbourne fan but now I am converted - we love the SUNS.

“Jett is obsessed and I am glad because the players are great role models who go out of their way to support local footy clubs and represent our city with pride.

“I am keen to see what the fan base will be like in the next 10-years as Jett and his die-hard SUNS mates grow up.”

Jett plays AFL in Under 9.5’s at the Pac Power Junior AFL club and his dad is the coach.

“I have grown up with the SUNS and love them, especially Ben Ainsworth,” Jett said.

“I am looking forward to joining the team when Matt Rowell is captain one day. In the meantime, I will watch every game and cheer them on.”

Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans said achieving a record membership this year was phenomenal.

“The Gold Coast community has really embraced our players and club this year – people are excited by what they are seeing,” he said.

“Despite the devastating impact of COVID-19, people have stuck by the club and many have signed up for the first time. We are extremely grateful for this incredible support.

“We have signed up more than 16,000 members this year and expect to see that number grow next year and beyond as the popularity of AFL in Queensland continues to skyrocket.”

The Gold Coast SUNS are preparing to take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in the QClash on Wednesday September 9.

“The QClash will be a great game but, importantly, it’s also a chance to showcase Queensland as a beautiful part of the country and the best place for a holiday,” Evans said.

“As the saying goes, Queensland is Good to Go.”