The Texas Brahmas are looking for families interested in hosting a Brahmas player(s) for the season. If you would like additional information about the benefits and responsibilities of a billet family, please fill out the form below.
[CLICK HERE to read a personal story from a billet's perspective]
Being a billet parent can be a very rewarding experience, enriching both the families and players alike. As a billet, you have the opportunity to provide a stable and supportive environment to a blossoming student-athlete. These relationships often last a lifetime.
Player Testimonials
"It makes my day so much better knowing that every day when we come home from practice we have food in the fridge, a bed to sleep in, and people in the house who are happy to have you. It gives us no excuse to not bring all we got to the rink every day."
"They have supported me 100%! It’s really nice to move to another state, but still feel at home! I feel almost like my billets are family. They have really taken me under their wing and I will be forever grateful."
"My billets have made me feel like I’m at home and truly a part of their family. We’ve done a lot together everything from going to movies to going to gun ranges together. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience."
"I’ve only been here for a bit but I absolutely love it! The kids are awesome and the family has been nothing but welcoming since I got here. It has seriously made the transition to Fort Worth much easier than moves normally are."
"My billets have been my biggest fans away from home. I’ll have memories with my billets that will stick with me for the rest of my life."
Billet Family Frequently Asked Questions
What is a billet family?
A family that opens their home to out-of-state and/or international players. For many of them, this will be their first time away from home and they need a stable living environment for their move to North Richland Hills while they pursue the next step in their hockey career. There is no "typical billet", meaning billets can be two-parent families, single-parent families, and, even “empty nesters.” The common denominator is a desire by the family to make a difference in a player’s life.
How old are the players?
Players are between the ages of 17 and 21 with the majority of them being 18 and 19 years old.
What does a typical day look like for the player?
During the week, players typically have practiced each day, workouts, along with team meetings and other team activities. The weekends are usually busy with games or team activities on Friday and Saturday nights, sometimes with games on Sunday or Thursday.
How long does the player live with the host family?
Players arrive in mid-to-late August to begin the season and remain until the end of the hockey season in the spring. At Christmas, they usually have a week off to go home and spend time with their families.
What are the responsibilities of the host family?
When a family volunteers to home a player, they are required to provide room and board for him. Billet families must be able to provide the player with his own bedroom which should include a bed, dresser, and closet, often also including a desk space, though not required. The family also agrees to provide nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for either the player to prepare himself or eat with the family. Billet families are expected to treat the players as “one of the family” and not just a “renter.”
What are the responsibilities of the player?
Players will provide their own personal care items, clothing, cell phones, and computer. They must clean up after themselves, keep their room tidy, do their own laundry, and follow all team and house rules, and show respect for every host family member. Players are also responsible for their own transportation to and from all hockey activities or arrange rides.
Can a family host more than one player?
Yes! It’s often easier to host more than one player. Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often provide company for each other. If hosting more than one player, families do not need to provide separate rooms for each.
Does the host family receive compensation?
Yes! Each billet family receives a monthly stipend for each player living with them. In addition, the family receives season tickets to all home games and access to exclusive billet events/perks. Besides offsetting expenses a billet family incurs when hosting a player, this allows our organization to acknowledge the invaluable service families provide to the individual players and the team.
What happens if the billet situation is not working?
Generally, billet families and players get along very well. We strongly recommend that all billet house rules be communicated to a player when he arrives. It is best if these can be in writing with a copy provided to our Billet Coordinator. If any situations arise, they should be handled immediately – first within the family, and then with the Billet Coordinator. If problems still persist and cannot be resolved, the Billet Coordinator will communicate with the Head Coach and make other arrangements for the player.
What happens if a billet is traded or released from the organization during a season?
Unfortunately, this does happen in the business of junior hockey. We do our best to support billet families when this situation arises--many opt to take another player to "fill the gap" of the previous. Though their time on the Brahmas may end, your relationship does not have to, with many previous billets and families continuing to foster their relationship from a distance.
What happens after the season ends?
Most of the time, billet families, players, and the players’ family develop very special bonds and remain close long after the player has left the Brahmas organization. We do our very best to ensure that this experience is rewarding for both the player and the billet family members.
Join the Brahmas billet family today and help encourage and develop a talented young athlete.
Ready to get started? Fill out our billet application here.
Questions? Contact our billet coordinator, Sydney Johnson, at sydney.brahmas@gmail.com.