What is the club’s history?
Hornets Soccer Club has served the West Michigan homeschool community for a number of years. We have always been a volunteer not-for-profit organization. At the varsity level the Hornets are always among the top homeschool teams in the state.
Who can play for the Hornets?
We are a homeschool soccer club. Players must be homeschooled at least 50 percent of the time. There is limited availability for girls who attend a school that does not offer school soccer. Players may not be graduated from high school. Rules for participation in the state tournament may vary slightly.
What teams do we play?
We play other homeschool teams as well as private, public and charter school teams.
What are the dates of the season?
The girls season runs from March through the first week of June. The pre-season begins mid-January with optional indoor conditioning. Team Placement Evaluations are held the end of February.
How much does it cost?
Club fees are $325 for Junior High, $350 for Junior Varsity, and $375 for Varsity. The use of uniforms for the season is included in the club fees.
What are the payment and registration deadlines?
Registration is due at Team Placement Evaluations. Payment is due approximately one week later. Get on our mailing list to be informed of the exact dates.
Does Hornets Soccer Club participate in public school partnerships
Several public school districts in the area offer funding to homeschool families for non-core classes. Hornets Soccer Club does not participate as a “community education provider” under these programs. This public funding comes with increasing regulations that inhibit our ability to integrate our Christian faith into all parts of our soccer program.
What is the time commitment?
The girls season runs from March through the first week of June. The pre-season begins with optional indoor conditioning in mid-January. Team Placement Evaluations are the end of February. Practices are generally 3 nights a week–Monday, Tuesday, Thursday–for a couple hours each night. All teams typically practice at the same time and location to make it easier for families that might have multiple players. Most games are held during the week, with one or two tournaments on the weekend.
How many games does each team play?
The 3 girls teams have separate schedules and usually play 14 to 18 games. Teams may also participate in tournaments as the schedule allows. The varsity team plays in the state homeschool tournament, a 2-day event usually the first weekend in June.
Where do we practice?
Our practice field is at Fairway Christian Reformed Church, 1165 44th Ave, Jenison, MI 49428. This is conveniently located near I-196.
How is carpooling handled?
Early each season families figure out who lives nearby, and make arrangements to help each other. Ride sharing to practices, games, and tournaments is a very normal part of the Hornets culture, serving to reduce costs and build relationships.
How much travel is involved?
We play throughout West Michigan and to some farther away locations such as Lansing, Howell, and Kalamazoo. The varsity team travels to Lansing for a state tournament. Because our players live all over West Michigan, carpooling is a very helpful option for families.
What about weather?
We play games in any weather except when lightning is a threat. On rare occasions a game will be cancelled if the field is so wet it would be significantly damaged. We use a text notification system to let parents know of cancellations even if they are already on the way to a game.
What is the commitment level for parents?
Hornets Soccer Club is a parent-led volunteer organization. We ask all families to volunteer in some way throughout the season. There are a variety of ways to help – both one-time commitments and ongoing duties.
How are team communications handled?
We use the TeamSnap mobile app and website to handle registrations, payments, scheduling, and communications. Contact us to get in the loop.