Host Families
Join Our Outliers Family
At the Utah Outliers, one of our greatest commitments is ensuring our players feel at home—both on and off the ice. With our athletes coming from all over the world and living far away from friends and family, their host family quickly becomes their surrogate family. While host families receive monthly compensation, the true reward is the lifelong friendships and bonds that are formed. The impact of host families on our program’s success is immeasurable.
What It Means to Be a Billet Family
As a host family, you provide a “home away from home” for one of our players. This includes a private bedroom (or shared with another teammate) and access to nutritious meals—either prepared by the player or by the host family. Beyond the basics, we ask that host families welcome players as part of the family, not simply as renters. Becoming a host family is a rewarding, enriching, and unique experience. Permanent special bonds are formed between players and their host families, which often last a lifetime. Players, in turn, are expected to keep their space tidy, follow household rules, and respect the team’s code of conduct. We encourage open communication so that both the family and player understand expectations from day one.
Commitment & Flexibility
The length of a host family stay varies—some players are with their host family for the hockey season (September–April), while others may stay for a temporary period for various reasons. Many families choose to host two players so they can provide each other with companionship and travel together. Ultimately, it's the host family's choice how many players they take into their home. Our host families include everyone from traditional two-parent households to “empty nesters.” The most essential ingredient is a genuine willingness to help a young athlete chase his dream.
Compensation & Player Responsibilities
Host families receive $475/month to help with food and household expenses. Players are responsible for their transportation and often hold a part-time job or take part-time classes during the season. If you’re ready to make a difference in a young athlete’s life and be part of the Outliers family, we’d love to hear from you!
SUPPORT YOUNG ATHLETES AND SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM TO THE RIGHT!
Frequently asked questions about housing a player
Q. What makes an excellent billet?
- ANSWER: A caring and supportive family! It can be overwhelming for a player to be so far away from home. A thoughtful host family appreciates that each player is unique and that communication and mutual understanding take effort.
Q. May a family host more than one player?
- ANSWER: Yes. Some families host multiple players as they provide camaraderie for one another and share transportation expenses. All of our players fill out a detailed application and must comply with specific guidelines for behavior and academic performance.
Q. What am I expected to provide?
- ANSWER: We ask that you provide:
- A separate room and closet for a player, or a shared room and bath if hosting multiple players.
- Nutritious meals. (Players are responsible for meal expenses when traveling.)
- A caring and friendly home atmosphere.
- The same guidance and attention you would want for your children.
- What you receive in return:
- A firsthand understanding of being a hockey fan.
- A new perspective on hockey is seen through the eyes of your player.
- The opportunity to make a difference to a young player and help him toward his dreams.
- A monthly stipend of $475
- Invitation to and recognition at the annual ‘Billet Appreciation’ game.
Our billets are interested in sharing their lifestyle in a positive and mutually rewarding way, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming home where you can learn and grow.
Even the most self-assured players appreciate good quality time with their billet family. Is everyone in your household ready to accept someone new into your home? If willing, this experience can be tremendous for all involved.