THE Gold Coast Suns will continue to strengthen its connection throughout Far North Queensland, with Cairns to play host to the team for the 2017 AFL Community Camp.

The Suns will also spread throughout the Gold Coast, completing clinics and school appearances in all visiting regions on 27-28 February and 3 March.

Cairns product, Jack Bowes, said he was looking forward to heading north, this time as an AFL listed player with the Gold Coast Suns.

“It’s very exciting, I was over the moon to hear that news – the city of Cairns is obviously close to my heart, as is the wider North Queensland region, and so I am rapt the team can get up there and spread the game,” Bowes said.

With all 18 AFL Clubs participating, the AFL Community Camps see over 750 players each spending two days meeting fans and developing stronger links between Australian Football and the community.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean, said the community camps are an important vehicle in recognising that grassroots football and the community are the lifeblood of Australia’s Game.

“The AFL Community Camps allow us to highlight the connection Australian Football has with communities right around the country,” Lethlean said.

“Following the success of part of the Fremantle Football Club’s Australia Post AFL Community Camp in Broome, we’re excited the remainder of their squad and the other 17 clubs will visit fans across all corners of Australia in early 2017.

“Community Camps are the perfect platform for fans, no matter where they live across our wide country, access to their favourite players.

“Many of the clubs have also aligned their Australia Post AFL Community Camp locations to their Next Generation AFL Club Academies.

“The academies are designed to utilise the strength of clubs to grow and develop our game, and ensure it’s representative, inclusive and embraces gender and cultural diversity,” he said.