Background

Saint Paul Blackhawks are committed to providing a high-quality, affordable youth soccer program. While we try hard to keep club fees as low as possible, we realize that paying the full amount can be a hardship for some families. The Saint Paul Blackhawks Financial Assistance Program exists to help ensure that no one is prevented from playing for financial reasons. Our goal is to offer assistance to every family that demonstrates a documented financial need. However, budget constraints may not allow us to give everyone the level of aid they request, and completion or submittal of the financial assistance application does not guarantee approval.

Financial Assistance Policy
Saint Paul Blackhawks is committed to offering financial assistance to players from families with a documented financial need. All Financial Assistance awards are intended to fill the gap between what a family can afford to pay and what is required for club fees. It is expected that ALL players will contribute a portion toward these financial requirements.

If at any time during the season a family falls behind on their agreed-upon payment plan to the Club, the player will not be able to participate in team training, scrimmages, or games. This policy is strictly enforced. Furthermore, if a family receiving financial assistance has a remaining past due balance at the end of the season, they will not be considered for financial assistance in future seasons.

Eligibility & Award Scale
Financial assistance award levels are strictly evaluated based on family income and household size, mapped against the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). To be considered, families must upload their most recent Federal 1040 Tax Document to verify income and dependents.

Awards are granted as a percentage discount off Club Fees based on the following
scale:
● 100% and below FPG: 85% discount
● 100% to 125% FPG: 75% discount
● 125% to 150% FPG: 50% discount
● 150% to 175% FPG: 25% discount
● 175% to 200% FPG: 10% discount
● Over 200% FPG: No discount

Assistance in Special Circumstances
The Saint Paul Blackhawks understand that life can be unpredictable. If your family is experiencing a sudden financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances—such as a recent job loss, a medical emergency, or other significant life events—we want to help keep your player on the field. We may be able to offer temporary financial assistance, adjusted discounts, or flexible payment plans outside of our standard eligibility scale. Please reach out to us confidentially so we can work with you during this tough time.

What is Covered vs. Not Covered
The awarded discount percentage is applied directly to the player’s core Club Fees. Families may also request to apply for a discount to non-league programming (such as summer camps, developmental or age-group training, and Little Hawks programs).

Restrictions on Extra Programming: To ensure fair distribution of funds across the club, players receiving financial assistance are limited to one (1) discounted extra program per season (Spring, Fall, Winter). For example, if multiple camps are offered during a single season, the family must choose only one to apply their extra programming discount toward. Awards are granted as a percentage of the Registration Fee based on the following scale:
● 100% and below FPG: 50% discount
● 100% to 125% FPG: 40% discount
● 125% to 150% FPG: 30% discount
● 150% to 175% FPG: 20% discount
● 175% to 200% FPG: 10% discount
● Over 200% FPG: No discount

All players/families are strictly responsible for paying:
● The remaining percentage of the Club Fees not covered by the award.
● Team Fees (individual team expenses for specific travel and tournament costs).
● Uniform costs
● Any required Club Volunteer Fees or Registration Fees not covered by the award.

NOTE: Players who are not current on their payments will not have access to the team schedule nor be eligible to play.