AFL Stars Inspire Next Generation of Coaches through Gold Coast SUNS TAFE at School Program

This semester’s guest speaker series featured Wayne Campbell, the SUNS’ General Manager of Football Performance; Jarrod Harbrow, former SUNS player and Indigenous Programs Lead; and Bronte Barnes, SUNS Fan Development Officer - among others.

Their insights into elite preparation, leadership, resilience, and community engagement brought the classroom experience to life.

Kylie Drum, Program Lead for the Gold Coast College of Sport & Business (GCCSB), said, “Engagement from guest speakers of this calibre brings real-world insight. It empowers students with the professional standards they’ll encounter in the industry.”

Wayne Campbell (pictured above) offered practical guidance on running skills clinics and coaching sessions, drawing on his experience leading the SUNS football department, as well as his distinguished playing career of over 297 AFL games and former captaincy of the Richmond Football Club.

Jarrod Harbrow (pictured above) spoke passionately about cultural inclusion and mentoring, sharing stories from his journey establishing the club’s Indigenous programs and his heritage as a proud Yirrganydji Kuku Yalanji man.

Students have also heard from Bronte Barnes, who shared her experience in athlete community obligations, and Ben Mabon, the club’s Player Development Manager, who presented on athlete wellbeing and career transition.

The Gold Coast SUNS maintain a strategic partnership with TAFE Queensland to deliver a dual diploma pathway combining the Diploma of Sport (SIS50321) and the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420).

Launched in mid-2023, the partnership provides students with access to 100 hours of industry experience at the SUNS’ elite facility in Carrara.

Don Harley, Manager of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, highlighted the value of this integrated approach, “Our vision is to inspire sporting excellence by training the next generation of coaches, administrators, development officers and managers.

That starts with our Certificate II in Sport Coaching program and extends through to our dual diploma offering with the SUNS.”

Through the TAFE at School program, students in Years 10–12 attend the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium one day per week, replacing a regular school day, to complete the VETiS-funded Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321). This qualification contributes towards a student’s QCE while offering real-world sport industry exposure.

The program also provides a direct pathway into the dual diploma course for school leavers.

“That means students can start their SUNS journey as early as Year 10 and continue through to the dual diploma, giving them up to three years of study connected to a professional sporting club. It’s the best possible entry into a career in the sports industry," Drum said.

Expressions of Interest Now Open

• 2026 TAFE at School intake: Expressions of interest are now open via the TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport website.
• 2026 Dual Diploma intake: School leavers can also register their interest for the Semester 1, 2026 intake. Information sessions will be held at the SUNS’ headquarters later this year.

Wayne Campbell, SUNS General Manager of Football Performance