Premier League host family systems: how they support young footballers' development.
Brentford's academy has implemented a host family programme designed to provide players with a sense of belonging and stability, particularly for those signed from abroad. The system allows young lads to live with host families in their own homes, rather than in dormitories on the club's premises.
Tiffany and Steve, Boni's host family, say that being part of the programme has been life-changing for him.
"The pair are Boni's host family - people who have signed up to take in young footballers who join a new club, care for them in a safe home environment, and give them the best platform possible to pursue a professional career."
Boni says that having a host family means he can rest, recover and focus on his game.
"Having them means I can go home to a safe place, rest, recover, and focus on what I want to focus on."
Rachael Abebrese, Brentford's host family co-ordinator, explains how the programme works, including thorough vetting of applicants and matching players with suitable families.
"The reason we went with our model is that we want to give the players a real break, a geographical and psychological separation rather than living with and sleeping next to the lads they've been training with all day."
Some clubs prefer a boarding system, where young players live together in dormitories on club premises. Barcelona's La Masia is an example of this model.
Gareth Bale, who lived at Darwin Lodge, Southampton, credits the experience for his successful career.
"Being around the other players all the time I found really hard at the start," he says. "But the environment was built to be like you were in a proper home."
Darwin Lodge was run by Julia Upson for over a decade and cared for up to 20 young players at a time.
The bonds shared between host families and young footballers often last way beyond the end of their careers, with many maintaining relationships even after they leave the game.
Michel Boni says that he would like to stay in touch with his host family, Tiff and Steve, if he gets his professional contract.
Brentford's academy has implemented a host family programme designed to provide players with a sense of belonging and stability, particularly for those signed from abroad. The system allows young lads to live with host families in their own homes, rather than in dormitories on the club's premises.
Tiffany and Steve, Boni's host family, say that being part of the programme has been life-changing for him.
"The pair are Boni's host family - people who have signed up to take in young footballers who join a new club, care for them in a safe home environment, and give them the best platform possible to pursue a professional career."
Boni says that having a host family means he can rest, recover and focus on his game.
"Having them means I can go home to a safe place, rest, recover, and focus on what I want to focus on."
Rachael Abebrese, Brentford's host family co-ordinator, explains how the programme works, including thorough vetting of applicants and matching players with suitable families.
"The reason we went with our model is that we want to give the players a real break, a geographical and psychological separation rather than living with and sleeping next to the lads they've been training with all day."
Some clubs prefer a boarding system, where young players live together in dormitories on club premises. Barcelona's La Masia is an example of this model.
Gareth Bale, who lived at Darwin Lodge, Southampton, credits the experience for his successful career.
"Being around the other players all the time I found really hard at the start," he says. "But the environment was built to be like you were in a proper home."
Darwin Lodge was run by Julia Upson for over a decade and cared for up to 20 young players at a time.
The bonds shared between host families and young footballers often last way beyond the end of their careers, with many maintaining relationships even after they leave the game.
Michel Boni says that he would like to stay in touch with his host family, Tiff and Steve, if he gets his professional contract.
, some ppl say its a nice idea but im not sure its all sunshine n rainbows. i mean, what happens when the fam gets tired of having 17-year-old boys crashing their pad every other wk? u gotta have some boundaries lol 
. and whats up with the vetting process? is it really thorough? i dont want to think bout some dodgy character crashin at my crib 
. and what about the fams gettin paid or nothin? u cant just have ppl open their homes 4 free 
. need more info before i can fully get on board with this idea 
. Like, it shows they care bout their future careers & well-being, right? 
According to stats, 75% of former La Masia graduates have gone on to play in the top tier, whereas only 40% of those who've been through host family systems have made it (
). I think its cos they get a proper break from training & can just chill wit their fams 
. Meanwhile, clubs that use boarding systms are losin out on dat bonding experience 
. Did u know that 85% of footballers who've experienced host family systems go on to earn a professional contract? 
! I mean, can you imagine having a real family vibe while still getting top-notch training? It sounds like it's literally changed Boni's life, and I'm not surprised 
. And I love how this program promotes bonding between players and host families - those relationships can last way beyond football careers! 
. And the bonds that are formed between them? Priceless 
. I wish more clubs would jump on this idea 'cause it seems to be doing wonders for these young players' mental health and overall development 
! But seriously, having someone to come home to after a long day of training is literally life-changing. And it's not just about the fams themselves, it's also about how they help the kids connect with their community and feel more grounded. Like, Gareth Bale credits his experience at Darwin Lodge for helping him get his career off the ground... talk about a blessing 
! I'm all for these host fam systems - let's give them all the love 
!
I've seen threads where players are complaining about not having Wi-Fi or proper kitchen facilities in their host homes... like, come on guys! It's football, not college dorms! 
It's almost like they're conditioning these kids from a young age to not question authority or something... 
So I think it's super cool how Brentford is doing this host family thing for their young players! It's literally a game-changer for them, especially if they're from abroad. I mean, can you imagine just chillin' in someone's home, eating real food, not stuck in a dorm with 10 other lads all day? 
. I mean, think about it, these families are thoroughly vetted, but what's really going on? Are they just making sure the kids don't get too comfortable and forget their responsibilities? And what about the bonds that form between the host family and the player? Is it really just a chance for the players to find support and stability, or is it just a way for clubs to create loyal followers? I'm not buying it 
.
micel boni sounds like he's totally benefited from it, and its awesome that hes tryna stay in touch w/ his host fam even after he leaves the game 
. But having a proper home life with people who care about you... that's a game-changer 
. Gareth Bale credits it for his career, and I can see why! 
The bonds they form are real, and its amazing how some of these host fams stay in touch even after the lads leave the game 
. And it's great that the host families are so supportive and caring - it's clear that Boni's host family, Tiff and Steve, have made a big impact on his life 
!
I mean, can you imagine living with a bunch of rowdy footballers in a dormitory? 
. Seriously though, the host family system sounds like a game-changer for young players who want to focus on their craft. It's all about creating that sense of belonging and stability, especially when you're away from home. My auntie always said that food makes the soul happy, so I'm sure those host families are serving up more than just a roof over your head 
. And it's awesome to hear that some players (like Gareth Bale) credit their experience for helping them succeed in the game!