HOST FAMILY Q & A

STAR Hockey Academy is currently seeking local families to participate in our Kennedy Catholic High School Homestay Program.*

Hosting STAR players offers rewards for everyone involved. For host families, it means opening their homes to young athletes and sharing meaningful experiences as part of their family dynamic. For the players, a stable and supportive home environment empowers the player to focus on their training and personal development, which in turn plays a critical role in their success on the ice. For all of us, it’s a chance to make new friends, exchange ideas, share laughter, and experience life within a new family setting.

 

REQUIREMENTS TO BE A HOST FAMILY

 

 

  • Player(s) must have their own room (two players may share one room)
  • Players(s) must have access to a full bathroom
  • Players(s) must have internet access for school and team communication
  • Must be willing to work with the player(s) to establish healthy food options Examples of meals include eggs, cereal, or a bagel for breakfast; a sandwich with meat and fruit for lunch; and pasta, chicken, and vegetables for dinner. Host Families and players should communicate openly to determine which food options work best for both parties.
  • Must be a smoke-free home
  • Complete a background check and Safe Environment class (applies to adults in the home)

 

Is there a “traditional” host family?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” host family. We are happy to have families of all shapes and sizes — whether it’s a two-parent household, a single parent, or empty nesters. The common denominator is a desire by the host family to make a positive contribution in a player’s life.

 

Does the host family receive compensation?

Each family receives a monthly stipend of $800 for each player living with them. In addition to helping offset the expenses families incur when hosting a player, this gesture allows our organization to recognize the invaluable support these families provide to both the individual players and STAR Academy.

 

Do I have to play hockey or know about hockey to be a host family?

All you need is the willingness to support someone else’s goals and dreams. We would love to have you become a fan of hockey and STAR Academy. However, you don’t need to be involved in hockey to become a host family.

 

How many players can a family host?

A family can host 1 or 2 players. By hosting more than one player it provides company and support to the player. Players may share a room but must have their own bed, a place for their clothing, and access to a restroom.

 

How long does the player live with the host family?

  • Players arrive in late August-early September to begin the season and remain until the end of the school year (usually 1st or 2nd week of June).
  • Thanksgiving, players typically have 5-7 days to return home.
  • Christmas players typically have 10-12 days off to spend with family.
  • In April during school spring break players will have 7-10 days off.

 

How old are the players?

Players are between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.

 

Do the STAR players attend school?

STAR players attend St. Bernadette Parish School or Kennedy Catholic High School located in Burien, WA.

 

Where is STAR Academy located and where do they play?

STAR Academy’s home ice is the Kent Valley Ice Centre. STAR Academy is part of the CSSHL which is an elite league of hockey academies across Western Canada and the US. The players will play locally and will travel to Canada for tournaments and league play.

 

What does the daily schedule of STAR Academy players look like?

  • Players will attend school for approx. 4-5 hours a day.
  • Approximately, 3 hours a day will be dedicated to on-ice development, strength and conditioning workouts, team meetings, video sessions, and study hall.
  • Evenings will be quality time spent with the host families eating dinner, homework, resting, and enjoying each other’s company.

 

What does the season look like for a STAR Hockey player?

During the weekdays the players will attend school and STAR Hockey Academy for training. Players play an average 45-60 games throughout the season on the weekends and occasional weekdays. Once the season concludes in March, the players will still attend school and STAR Hockey Academy for on and off ice training. In the spring players have been known to get together on the weekends to golf, play a spring sport, or participate in outdoor activities.

 

What does transportation look like?

Kennedy High School will provide transportation midday from school to the training facility at Kent Valley Ice. STAR Academy will also provide transportation to and from travel games. Depending on the player’s age, the host family will need to provide transportation to school and from Kent Valley Ice Arena in the evenings. STAR Academy players, parents, and host families often work together to carpool throughout the season. In addition, Kennedy Catholic students have the option of using convenient school bus transportation.

23-24_TransportationOptions.pdf

 

What kind of support will I be provided?

The Academy Coordinator will serve as your point person if any questions or concerns arise. STAR Academy will strive for players to respect and comply with the policies set by STAR Academy and the host household. Additionally, the Academy Coordinator will provide check-ins via phone or in person.

 

What happens if the host family needs to go away for a period of time?

Arrangements will be made, through the Academy Coordinator, for the player(s) to stay with a teammate or another host family.

 

Will the STAR player fit into our family?

STAR Academy puts a great deal of thought and effort when placing players in the homes of families for suitability. Consequently, no issues are expected once the players and families have had time to get to know one another. Even so, there may be situations when the host family and player(s) are simply not compatible by no fault of either party. In that circumstance, the host family, Academy Coordinator, and STAR Academy will make our best attempt towards making the necessary changes to ensure everyone is satisfied and comfortable with their arrangements.

 

What happens after in May/June when school ends?

Your support and guidance play a vital role in shaping the players personal and athletic growth, helping them become confident, well-rounded individuals that exceeds far beyond the hockey season. Often, host families, players, and the players family develop lasting relationships that continue long after the hockey season ends.

By opening your home, you provide the player(s) a safe, supportive environment that helps them reach their goals. Host families are the heart of our program—and we couldn’t do it without you.

 

Become a host family with STAR Hockey Academy today.
Support the dream. Build a legacy.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in hosting a player(s), please contact us at rob@starhockeyacademy.com

*Kennedy Catholic’s Housing program is not governed or sanctioned by KVHA, PNAHA, or USA Hockey.  Neither KVHA, PNAHA, or USA Hockey have any role or responsibility in its management and Housing arrangements made outside of KVHA are not sanctioned by USA Hockey or subject to USA Hockey’s billeting requirements.