Be A Landparent

Adopt - A - Player
and be a Landparent!

One of the most difficult things for a Junior "A" hockey player is moving away from home. A lot is expected of these players both on and off the ice, and this can create added stress and anxiety for these young men. As an organization we strive to find homes that will expose our players to a positive family environment. By living with supportive local families, our players and the community are able to develop a special bond that lasts well beyond any Sting season.

To ensure the happiness of our players we ask that certain conditions be met. It is vital to have each team member feel that they live in a home that is welcoming, loving, communicative and understanding. The players range in age from 16-20, and will be responsible for obeying house rules made at your discretion. That being said, we have a few rules our own.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A BILLET FAMILY

• Proximity to the rink and school
• Physical appearance and cleanliness of the home
• Number of children and pets
• Reason for wanting to become a billet
• Economic and employment status

We also require that all potential candidates undergo a preliminary in-house interview and consent to a police background check. Of course, the player’s needs are of equal importance and, as we know, not all players want the same things. We will need to consider if the player will feel comfortable with other children, or if he is a pet lover or allergy sufferer. He may be shy and private and prefer the quiet home on an older family. Or he may be outgoing and gregarious and would enjoy the energy of a younger family. These are the essential details that will help us in matching the player to a happy, compatible family life.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We have every confidence that our landparents will create a home away from home for our players ... and home is where the comfort is! While we will be responsible for the transportation of the player to all school and hockey functions, and provide all education and medical assistance, we ask that you provide the same simple day-to-day care for our Sting players that you give your own family.

• A room of their own
• Suitable private area with good light and desk space for studying/homework
• Providing a single or double bed for the player. A good mattress is essential
• Providing towels, shower supplies (Personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries are the responsibility of the player)
• Laundry and mending – Laundry to be determined between player and billets, it can be the responsibility of the player
• Dry Cleaning is the player’s responsibility
• Computer with High-speed internet and email access
• Nutritional healthy meals

Support, communication and understanding are vital ... having the player feel at home and part of the family is very important.

YOUR BENEFITS

There are benefits that come along with billeting a member of the Sarnia Sting. These perks however do not equal the overwhelming joy a family receives from opening their hearts and home to a fine young man who is trying to achieve his dream of playing the National Hockey League

• Two complimentary tickets for all Sting Home games including playoffs
• Monetary compensation of $75.00 per week
• 10 % Discount off all regularly priced Sting merchandise
• All season ticket holder benefits such as the annual Awards Banquet, Breakfast with the Sting , VIP email info
• Invitation to team functions including the Annual Sting Christmas Party exclusive only to Sting "family"

Generally, landparents, players and the player’s family develop very special bands and remain close long after the player has left the Sarnia Sting organization. We try to make it possible to make sure that this experience is a rewarding one for both the player and the landparents.

If you are interested in becoming
a Sarnia Sting Landparent please call:
Greg Walters
(519) 542-4494 ext. 367