The Northern Beaches SUNS Club Development Squad is an innovative program that provides young athletes with a unique opportunity to participate in a first-class sport and education experience facilitated by Northern Beaches Suns Club Academy coaches from the Suns seniors playing squad.
We run a multi-level coaching program for aspiring players aged between 13 and 19 years. It forms a key stage in the pathway from junior sport through to our senior sides, or even a possible career as
an AFL or AFLW player at the highest level – without leaving Townsville.
The Development Squad Coaches’ aims are to work with selected academy players as well as cater for those juniors who still need more development to be selected for the Northern Beaches Club Squad.
Male and Female hub-based programs
– U13.5
– U15.5
Male and Female High-Performance Squad Training
– U17
– Players in the senior squad under 19
Once a part of the Development Squad, each participant will experience best-practice learning, facilities and facilitators in a sports environment at the Northern Beaches Suns.
The initial selection process will be based on the criteria below:
– Representative performances i.e., Gold Coast Academy selection, Queensland School Selection.
– Club performances in own age group or above
– Professional Attitude at Club, Academy and Representative level
– Commitment to Academy Values
– Own age group Coach/Club Recommendations Training
The Northern Beaches Suns Academy Coaches will work with their age group coach.
The Northern Beaches Development Squad Coaches for season 2024 are:
Cam Fielding
The Northern Beaches Suns is proud to announce that Cam Fielding remains a committed Sun for season 2024. Cam will once again lead the Suns into season 2024 for his 3rd season as the senior’s captain. This is Cam’s 4th season with the Suns, the club is looking strong under Cam’s leadership on
and off the field. Cam has been named in the top 100 players in Townsville for the last two seasons along with being voted as MVP by his teammates for season 2023. Cam is also playing a key role in the Sun’s new development program for season 2024. Cam’s footy back from Vic playing in TAC cup
and his senior Career for Mornington Bulldogs (Div 2) and Somerville Eagles (Div 2) shows the class and talent that’s leading the Suns into the future.
Zack Sleeth
The Northern Beaches Suns is proud to announce that Zack Sleeth remains a committed Sun for season 2024. Zack joined the Suns in season 2023 from SA, Zack’s Division 1 / SANFL experience from Tea Tree Gully Football Club added strength to the Suns midfield with Zack making a huge mark being named in the top 100 players in Townsville in his first season. The Suns are looking forward to seeing more of this highly super-talented midfielder for season 2024. Zack is a Vice-captain for season 2024 also taking a key role in the Sun’s new development program for season 2024, the Northern Beaches Suns club academy and leading the Suns into the future.
David Hedlam
The Northern Beaches Suns is proud to announce that David Hedlam remains a committed Sun for season 2024. David came back to the Suns for season 2023 after winning a flag with the Bulldogs in season 2022. David is one of the best defenders in Townsville AFL being named in Townsville team of the year and also being named in the top 100 players in Townsville. The Suns are excited to see one the most talented key defenders taking on a leadership role as a vice-captain for season 2024 also taking a key role in the Sun’s new development program for season 2024, the Northern Beaches Suns club academy. David who was a Northern Beaches Suns junior himself now leading the next generation Suns juniors into the future.
For more information about our Development Squad program, please contact Cam Fielding on 0428 121 514.