AcademyHomestay

Sounders FC Academy Homestay Program

The Sounders FC Homestay Program offers young players from around the country a unique opportunity to train and play with the Sounders FC Academy. These committed athletes have been identified by the Sounders recruiting department as individuals with the talent to develop as players within the Academy and make their way to the first team.

The Experience

Sharing your home with a Sounders FC player will provide a unique and enriching opportunity for your entire family! Experience the reward of helping a young athlete achieve his dreams and support the two-time Sounders FC MLS Cup Champions by directly contributing to the future of the Club’s player development, deepen your connection with the Club and strengthen the bond within the entire Sounders FC community.

Benefits

If selected to participate in the program, you will receive:

  • Monthly stipend of $1,000 per player
  • Two tickets to every Sounders FC 2023 home match
  • Academy community support throughout the year, including management of players’ NCAA eligibility and academic schedules by our in-house Head of Education

What is Expected?

  • The family will welcome the player into their home and coordinate with the player’s family as needed to ensure a smooth transition. The player will have his own room that includes a bed, a desk and chair, sufficient storage space, an internet connection, smoke detector in or by the player’s bedroom, linens/blankets/pillows/towels, laundry facility with detergent, and a bathroom (can be shared) with ample space for toiletries.
  • Nutrition is a very important part of these young athletes' lives. The host family will provide balanced meals along with healthy snack options. Nutrition guidelines and support is offered to the host families by the Sounders Performance Staff.
  • Transportation to and from school, practices and the airport on travel weekends will be provided by the host family. Host families should expect players to practice at least four days a week at the Starfire facility in Tukwila, and to have games most weekends. (If the player has his own car, it is his responsibility for maintenance, gas and insurance.)

Know a potential host?

Refer a host family and get rewarded!

If your referral is approved to join the Homestay Program, you will receive your choice of tickets to a home Sounders match, signed Sounders FC memorabilia, or an invite to one of our exclusive Sounders FC events!*

Watch Sounders Academy alum Nicholas Hinds and his Homestay family, the Tufts, describe the Homestay experience.

For more information about becoming a host family, please email Lauren Babcock, Academy Administrator at LaurenB@soundersfc.com or call 206. 267.7815.

What's Next?

After the application is complete, a phone interview will be scheduled, followed by an in-house visit and a background check for all those who are 18 and older living in the home.

TESTIMONIALS

Lee Family

"It’s been fun and incredibly rewarding having Caleb live with our family! We really enjoy his company and it’s been great to support his development as both a soccer player and a person.”

- Sabrina Lee, host parent for Caleb Powell

Explore Sounders Academy
Explore Sounders Academy