St Kilda Football Club is seeking expressions of interest from families that would like to host the next wave of Saints draftees at their Bayside homes.

If you would like to register your interest, please email Player Welfare Assistant Billymo Rist:
billymo.rist@saints.com.au.

Host family information
Each year the St Kilda Football Club recruits new players via the November and December National drafts.  The majority are young men aged between 17 and 19 and can relocate to Melbourne from all over Australia.  This can create tremendous stress and uncertainty for a young recruit who is moving away from family, friends and their community for the first time.

In 2013 and 2014 our relocated draftees were:
• Spencer White
• Brodie Murdoch
• Josh Saunders
• Luke Dunstan
• Blake Acres
• Eli Templeton
• Joe Baker-Thomas

Host Family providing support
• Provide a living environment where the player feels comfortable and feels included within the family structure.
• An understanding that the player has strict training and dietary requirements and is working in a highly pressured and demanding environment.
• Appropriate nutrition is critical for an elite athlete.  Our club dietician will provide support and direction to ensure the player is following the specific dietary requirements set out by the club.
• Maintain open communication with St Kilda Football Club wellbeing staff, alerting them to any issues or distractions that may affect the player’s performance or development.
• Be aware that injury may place an additional demand on the host family regarding hospitalisation, mobility and mood changes.
• Develop a relationship with the player’s family.  This will assist in developing a better understanding of the player’s needs.
There are several advantages to your family by participating in this program:
• Involvement in the develop of young Saints players
• Ease financial stress by renting your spare room
• Involvement in St Kilda FC Parents and Partners program
• New companionship

Host family Expectations & guidelines
Before a player arrives to live with you it is important to consider the following guide that relates to your expectations:
• Family routines / structure – what normally happens in your home in a regular week?
• Rules about using house facilities (eg. Pool, internet etc)
• Meal times and meals that they have to prepare
• Shopping for food
• Washing, ironing, cleaning
• Chores they are expected to complete
• Rules concerning having friends visit, including girlfriends
• Household rules for the weekend
• Your expectations if they are alone in your home for extended periods (weekends, holidays)
• Family activities that occur in your home
• Privacy
• Car Parking
• Younger Children and your expectations
• Understanding the players expectations