BREMERTON —Kitsap Soccer Club is looking for families to host players from early May to late July or early August, depending on the club’s season schedule.

KSC offers its athletes, many of whom are collegiate student-athletes, the opportunity to train and play at a high level during the summer months. Most of these players come from outside the area, looking for an opportunity to advance their soccer careers in a professional atmosphere.

The club has operated a team at this level for eight years, serving as a stepping stone for a number of players to go on to higher professional levels in the United States and abroad. At the same time, the club said it is always looking for ways to enhance its reach into the Kitsap County community.

“We consider our homestay families to be a vital part of the club’s process in developing players and moving them onto higher levels,” associate head coach Liviu Bird said. “It’s a chance for our players to learn about our community and their responsibility to that community while they’re here. For families with younger children, we also want our players to act as role models who can influence them in a positive way.”

For the players, it’s a chance to connect with somebody from the area and feel more at home while they play for the club, Bird said. It’s also an opportunity for the Kitsap community to share its hospitality with visitors from outside the area, she added, who will carry memories of their time here.

Homestay families play a pivotal role in the budding careers of these aspiring professionals, and many of them continue to stay in touch with “their player” after they leave the team.

“I became involved with the team in March 2014 when I offered to house a couple young soccer players. It seemed like a huge step into the unknown because I did not know exactly how that would look,” said Judy Bigelow, who has housed players for the past three years. “If I had a barracks, I would invite all of them to stay. They have added so much to my life. I have three seasons of good memories and hope to add to that.”

Kitsap SC is taking applications for host families for the 2017 season. Host families receive free admission to every Kitsap SC home match. Declare your interest and direct any questions directly to the club by calling the office at 360-377-6008.