The Colorado Rapids Homestay Program is designed to create a safe, healthy living environment for select players recruited to the Academy who reside outside of the Colorado Rapids market by providing the following:
- Welcoming home & family environment
- A safe and comfortable living space
- Proper nutrition
- Transportation to and from school and Colorado Rapids Academy activities
Welcoming Family Environment
Host families welcome Colorado Rapids Academy players into their home as a member of their family. As the player is leaving the comfort of his own home and family on a temporary, but prolonged basis, the host family will be expected to provide a welcoming, safe and stable environment for the player. The mission of this program is for the host family to integrate the player into their existing family and home life and vice-versa.
Benefits Of Being A Host Family
The Colorado Rapids invests in our Homestay Program and hosted athletes because we believe them to not only be exceptional athletes, but also exceptional people with a strong work ethic and good character. For families with children, hosted athletes can serve as role models by offering a glimpse into what it takes to be a high-level soccer player. Additionally, families will be provided with a tax-exempt stipend to assist with hosting an elite athlete, they will have access our first team (MLS) games, second team (MLS NEXT PRO) games when hosted at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, events with other host families and various appreciation events with the Club.
Safe & Comfortable Living Space
The host family will provide the player with his own furnished bedroom, complete with a bed, desk for studying and a dresser and/or closet. In addition, the player will need easy access to internet, laundry and a nearby bathroom. The host family will also need to provide the player with a key and, if applicable, an alarm code to the home. A host family may ask the player to partake in reasonable household responsibilities and chores.
Nutrition
It is crucial that elite soccer players maintain a well-balanced and nutritional diet that meets their physically demanding training schedule. The host family will provide the player with three (3) nutritious meals per day, each day of the week. Families may continue their normal routines, but meals eaten together are preferred. The club can provide insight and assistance for what an academy player should be eating.
Academy Handbook
The host family will be provided an Academy handbook and is expected to be familiar with the policies and procedures as they relate to the player and the role of Academy parents.
Host & Homestay Agreement
A Homestay Agreement packet will be provided to both sets of families upon completion of the following:
- Background checks
- SafeSport training
- In-person or virtual meetings between prospective hosts and Homestay players
This packet will need to be signed by all members of the host family and the player’s family prior to being notarized.
Host Family Home Rules
We work with the host family to set reasonable house rules that the player is expected to follow. The host family will complete a standards and expectations worksheet that will then be provided to the player’s family. Prior to moving in with the host family, this worksheet will be reviewed either in-person or virtually to ensure complete understanding.
Transportation to and from School and Colorado Rapids Academy Soccer Activities
Transportation to and from school, training, and matches will be coordinated by the Homestay family and/or the player (if 16 and over with a license & vehicle). In most cases, carpool options are available. The Player Support & Homestay Manager can help facilitate carpooling options when possible. If you are concerned about transportation, let us know, we can look for solutions for your family to still be a part of our program.
Postseason Evaluation
After each season, the host family will be asked to provide feedback and submit an evaluation on the player and the Homestay Program. The player will also be asked to complete an evaluation. The host family may be asked if they would consider hosting the player for an additional year, pending the player’s playing status and standing with the Academy. The Colorado Rapids are under no obligation to extend or renew a host family or a player in the Homestay Program.
Apply to become a Homestay host family
Use this form to apply to become a host family.