Gladstone Suns AFC takes out multiple Awards

The star club won four Good Sports Awards:

• Good Sports Junior Club of the Year, for its efforts in limiting alcohol exposure to its junior players, promoting a smoke and vape-free environment, and encouraging positive spectator behaviour.
• National Good Sports Volunteer of the Year Award to club member and volunteer, Tim Sparkman, for their efforts in building and maintaining a strong family-friendly club environment.
• Runner-up for the national Safe Transport Award, for prioritising road safety, including reducing the risk of drink or drug driving.
• Runner up for the Queensland Club of the Year award, for going above and beyond the core requirements of the highest level of the Good Sports program.

Better environment for juniors, stronger trust from families

As a Gold Accredited Good Sports club, Gladstone Suns AFC has a policy that covers alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs, mental health, safe transport, and supporting junior members.

“Since joining the Good Sports program, we’ve seen clearer policies, safer events and stronger trust from families and sponsors,” said Club President, Jeremy Clay.

“We design junior days to be family-first: water is prominent, our canteen prioritises healthier options. There is zero alcohol at junior games and junior events, including presentation day. And we showcase low and no-alcohol choices at senior events, so that juniors see responsible role-modelling.”

Safety first, at the club and on the roads

“We run targeted education, including vaping-awareness sessions with coaches, parents and committee present, as well as age-appropriate wellbeing talks that help normalise help-seeking. Coaches open each season with our Code of Conduct, covering our standards around alcohol and other drugs, respectful behaviour and bystander actions. Our managers revisit these messages before finals and club outings.”

“Safety extends to getting home. We treat getting home safely as part of the game plan. Our safe transport policy is built into every fixture and event. We encourage car-pooling and designated drivers, publish pick-up zones, and have organised buses for selected away fixtures,” Jeremy added.

Volunteer leads with kindness

Jeremy applauded former President, Tim Sparkman, on winning the national Good Sports Volunteer of the Year Award, saying because of them, the club is safer, kinder and more professional.

“Tim combines big-picture leadership with sleeves-rolled-up reliability, so change actually sticks. Members feel seen and supported. Juniors enjoy clear boundaries, seniors model responsible choices, and families stay longer and return more often,” Jeremy said.

Gladstone Suns AFC will receive a cash prize for its achievements, which will go towards new uniforms and equipment, as well as other operational expenses.