What is the club’s history?
Hornets Soccer Club has served the West Michigan homeschool community for over 25 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, and make a strong showing at the national tournament. The club has won the state tournament multiple times and the national tournament once.
Who can play for the Hornets?
We are a homeschool soccer club. Players must be homeschooled at least 51 percent of the time, or attend a school that does not offer school soccer. Players may not be graduated from high school. Rules for participation in state and national tournaments may vary slightly. *Special circumstances may be considered on a case by case basis by the leadership board.
Who are the coaches?
Our coaches have various levels of experience and have all been involved in soccer for many years. Some have played and coached soccer at the college and club level while others have been coaches for other soccer club organizations. Coaches are often assisted by a parent (or two) and they receive a small stipend, but they serve primarily because they love the program and want to invest in young lives. All of our coaches go through a required state background check.
What teams do we play?
We play other homeschool teams as well as private and charter school teams.
What is the level of play?
The Hornets teams are very competitive against the schools we play. Many of our players play throughout the year on rec and club teams.
What are the dates of the season?
The season runs from August through October. It begins in late July or early August, with an optional Soccer Training Camp, followed by 2 days of Team Placement.
How much does it cost?
2023 Club fees are $300 for junior high, $350 for junior varsity and $400 for varsity. Uniforms are an addition of $80 (required for new players). We try to keep costs as low as we can for families and will find creative ways to provide scholarships or payment plans when appropriate.
What are the payment and registration deadlines?
Registration and payment for Training Camp are due the first day of camp. Registration for the season is a couple days before the first practice. 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 boys’ season runs from August through October. The season begins with an optional Soccer Training Camp, followed by 2 days of team placement. Practices are 3 nights a week—Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights for a couple of hours each night. Additionally, varsity practices on Friday nights. Most games are held during the week, with one or two tournaments on the weekend.
How many games does each team play?
The 3 teams have separate schedules and usually play 16 to 18 games. Each team also gets to participate in at least one tournament. The varsity team plays in at least two multi-day tournaments.
Where do we practice?
Junior high practices at Fairway Christian Reformed Church, 1165 44th Ave, Jenison, MI 49428. Both junior varsity and varsity practice behind the Georgetown Township Fire Station 1, 1415 44th St SW, Hudsonville, MI 49426.
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 and junior varsity teams travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a early season tournament and to Lansing, Michigan, for a state tournament. Varsity travels for a national tournament which has been in Evansville, IN and Nashville, TN. 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. There are a variety of ways to help – both one-time commitments and ongoing duties. You can sign up for a volunteer duty at the parents’ meeting held during the first night of practice.
Where can I post or download pictures?
Hornets used a shared Shutterfly site for many years. Shutterfly has recently updated its policies so we are still determining the best place to post and download photos.
How are team communications handled?
We use the TeamSnap mobile app and website to manage our calendar and team communications. Send us an email to get into the loop.
Need to learn more?
Contact us to learn more. We will answer any additional questions you have, and get you onto the TeamSnap system so that you receive notifications about the next season.