Ottawa Sooners Billeting Program

Junior football programs across Canada rely on billet families to support players relocating from other provinces or countries. For many young athletes pursuing football and education at the competitive CJFL level, a stable and supportive living environment is essential to their success both on and off the field.

The Ottawa Sooners billeting program provides that foundation. Billeting offers players a consistent home base while they focus on training, competition, and academic commitments. It is a structured and well-managed component of our organization, designed to ensure both players and host families have clear expectations and ongoing support throughout the season.

Billet-style housing is a common practice in CJFL, USports, and other high-performance sport environments across the country. It provides athletes with a residential arrangement that supports their commitment to training and competition while maintaining their personal responsibilities.

Billet families typically provide:

• A private bedroom within a safe and respectful household
• A supportive living environment that respects the player's schedule and independence
• Consistency and stability throughout the competitive season

Players are expected to maintain their own schedules, arrange their own transportation where applicable, and manage their personal responsibilities. The billeting arrangement is designed to provide housing and household support, not full-time supervision or management.

We welcome applications from a wide range of households. Ideal billet families include:

• Families or individuals located within reasonable distance of Ottawa training and competition facilities
• Professionals, families with teenage children, or empty nesters looking to contribute to the community
• Households able to provide a private bedroom and a respectful, supportive living environment

Football experience is not required. What matters most is the ability to provide a stable home, maintain clear communication, and support a committed athlete during the season.

The Ottawa Sooners billeting program operates with structure and accountability. All billet placements are overseen by the organization to ensure consistency and quality across the program. Standards include:

• Ottawa Sooners oversight of all billet placements and arrangements
• Clear codes of conduct for players, emphasizing respect, responsibility, and professionalism
• A dedicated billet coordinator available to both families and players for support and communication
• Regular check-ins with players and families to address any concerns or adjustments
• Defined season timelines communicated well in advance to all parties

Billeting with the Ottawa Sooners is actively managed and supported. It is not informal or left to chance. Families can expect clear guidance, open communication, and responsive support throughout the process.

Hosting a player offers families the opportunity to contribute to the development of committed young athletes pursuing their goals in football and education. Benefits of billeting include:

• Supporting dedicated athletes who are working toward competitive and academic success
• Cultural exchange with interprovincial and international players, bringing diverse perspectives into your home
• Becoming part of the Ottawa Sooners community and contributing to the program's success
• A modest monthly stipend where applicable to help offset household costs

While there is a financial component, the primary focus of billeting is contribution, community, and connection. Families who billet often describe the experience as rewarding and meaningful, both for themselves and the athletes they support.

Billeting typically runs from preseason through the end of the competitive season. Exact dates vary year to year based on the CJFL schedule and are communicated to billet families well in advance.

We understand that flexibility and individual circumstances vary. Specific arrangements, including start and end dates, are discussed on a case-by-case basis during the application and placement process.

If you are interested in hosting a player and supporting the Ottawa Sooners program, we encourage you to learn more and apply through our official registration process. The billet coordinator will review your application, answer any questions, and guide you through the next steps.