The Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academies are an innovative program that provides young male and female athletes with a unique opportunity to participate in a first class sport and education experience facilitated by AFL Queensland and the Gold Coast SUNS. The Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy is a multi-level coaching program for aspiring players aged between 12 and 18 years. It forms a key stage in the pathway from junior sport through to a possible career as an AFL player at the highest level – without leaving Queensland. The Academy caters for young athletes in the Northern NSW and Gold Coast region as well as Far North Queensland (Rockhampton to Cape York).

The Academy features four levels, beginning with the youngest players emerging from the Future Stars program at Year 7, right up to the U18 level where the best will represent Queensland in the national championships. Once a part of the Academy, each participant will experience best practice learning, facilities and facilitators in a sports environment.