Question 1

Do you offer any extra training or camps?

Accepted Answer

Our summer Training Camp is designed to teach valuable skills and technique, identify prospective players, and be a no-obligation opportunity for athletes to grow their passion for the game of soccer. Training Camp is typically led by former Heat players and coaches who will help athletes develop a competitive edge on the pitch while also prioritizing growth in discipline and character.

In addition to the opportunities during the regular season, we offer summer drop-ins, winter indoor league teams, and winter futsal drop-ins. Dates will be posted regularly on the website. Join us!

Question 2

How long is the Heat soccer season?

Accepted Answer

The regular season, including post season tournaments, normally runs from August through October. We also have many fun opportunities for athletes to play soccer, develop their skills, and enrich their friendships during the winter and summer months. Check out the training page on the website or contact us for more information.

Question 3

What type of competition do Heat soccer teams play?

Accepted Answer

We play against other homeschool clubs regionally as well as local private and public schools. We design our seasons to challenge our athletes and give them opportunities to grow throughout the season.  Michigan is stacked with strong, competitive homeschool teams. In fact, a Michigan team has won the National Homeschool Soccer Championship Title most of the last 13 years!

Question 4

Where do West Michigan Heat teams play games (how far do we travel)?

Accepted Answer

Most of our games are played in West Michigan. We work to schedule cross-state rivals in the Lansing area. Generally, our away matches are within 1.5hrs of Hudsonville/Grand Rapids (places like Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Haven, etc.).

Carpooling is common. We are thankful to have many who are willing to  coordinate travel.  In fact, we have had players join our club that come from Ludington and Big Rapids, Cassopolis, and Detroit. Once you are part of the club you can refer to our Heat Family Map to coordinate carpools for both practices and competitions.

Question 5

Where do Heat teams train and play home matches?

Accepted Answer

We practice and play many of our matches at our home field in Hudsonville, MI.  We partner with Unity Christian to lease the HEAT home field behind Hudsonville Christian School.

We have athletes that commute significant distances (north, south, east, and west) to play with us. If you are considering a commute... we'll help connect you to other Heat families.  Our Heat Family Map makes carpools even more effective - and promotes friendships as well.

Question 6

What type of fields do Heat teams play on?

Accepted Answer

We typically play on grass fields, with an occasional game on turf.  We prioritize quality fields as necessary to keep our players healthy and as injury-free as possible.

Question 7

Do West Michigan Heat teams participate in tournaments?

Accepted Answer

Each of our teams compete in tournament play. We host the Heat Kick-off Invitational for high school teams from MI and regional states.  Our junior high school teams compete in a tournament in West Michigan. Our high school teams participate in a tournament in Fort Wayne, IN with competitors from New York, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The Varsity team also competes in a state tournament and finishes their season at a national tournament each year.

We find tournaments provide excellent growth opportunities and competitive exposure for our players. For example, our Heat Kickoff incudes regional homeschool teams and MHSAA squads. The National tournament features approximately 35 competitive homeschooled teams from TX to NY.

It has been our club honor to bring home 6 State and National Championships. The player growth, team development, and strengthened friendships are the greatest value of tournament experiences.

Question 8

What is the skill level (and will my child fit-in)?

Accepted Answer

All male soccer players grades 6-12 are welcome!  The skill level of our club and the teams we play against vary.  Our Varsity team includes many high level club players. Some of our Junior Varsity and Junior High School players have club and recreational soccer experience.

We welcome all skill levels. While it is our commitment to include players of all levels of experience, we limit our teams based on the number of high quality coaching staff we have to support them. It is our goal to help players connect relationally, have fun, and develop as  athletes and young men. We aim for an excellent athlete experience.

Question 9

What is required to participate?

Accepted Answer

After athletes are offered a position on a team roster they must formally register. Each team member needs shin guards, soccer cleats, a soccer ball, and a great attitude. Team members will also need to purchase a uniform kit. Each family is expected to volunteer for responsibilities that support each athlete who is rostered.

Question 10

What are the eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

High School: Minimum age of 13 and maximum age of 19 years old through the final day of the National Homeschool Soccer Championship (NHSC).
Junior High School:  Minimum age of 11 and maximum age of 14 on 9/1 of the current season.
Athletes must be homeschooled and the majority of their education managed by their parents/guardians.
Athletes must not be employed full-time (40 hours per week).
An athlete must not be recognized by one of their parents or legal guardians as having graduated from High School level education.
Athletes may only participate at the national tournament 6 times.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Question 11

How can I help?

Accepted Answer

Our club is successful and effective because of the leadership and service of many volunteers. Opportunities within our club include: team parents (liaison between coaches and families), tournament meal planners, team-event planners (plan fun activities for team building throughout the season), sideline assistants, and many more.

We also offer valuable sponsorship opportunities. Our sponsors have a unique opportunity to market their products and services to local and regional athletic families who homeschool and to our public and private school competitors. Our teams play over 100 matches in a season. With an average of 17 athletes per squad that is about 70 HEAT families and 170 competitor families.

If you would like to invest in the experience of our players and the HEAT family, please contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions