One of the most exciting opportunities Houston United offers is the chance to be selected for an All-Star team and compete in national tournaments alongside the most talented players in the league.
Houston United assembles All-Star teams for each age division (10U and older) at the end of the regular season.
What Is the All-Star Team?
Houston United All-Star teams bring together the league's best players from across all teams in each age division to compete at the national level. Selected players represent Houston United at one or more out-of-area tournaments, wearing league-provided uniforms and playing on a team built specifically for national-level competition.
All-Star teams are formed for the 10U, 12U, 14U, and High School age divisions. The 9U division does not field an All-Star team; 9U-age players are technically eligible for selection but selection is unlikely given the developmental purpose of the 9U division.
Selection by Age Division, Not Playing Division
Houston United selects All-Star players based on each player's age division, not the division in which her team played during the season. This is an important distinction:
• A 10-year-old player whose team played up in 12U is eligible for the 10U All-Star team, not the 12U All-Star team
• A 12-year-old player on a 12U team that finished poorly in standings is fully eligible for the 12U All-Star team based on her individual play and merit
• This approach keeps All-Star competition age-appropriate at the national tournament level and gives players from teams of all competitive levels a fair shot at selection
How Players Are Selected
All-Star selection is made by the Houston United League Director and a selection committee, based on direct observation of player performance during the regular season. The decision is at the league's discretion, taking into account:
• Skill and playmaking ability across all positions
• Football IQ, decision-making, and field awareness
• Sportsmanship and behavior consistent with the Houston United Code of Conduct
• Attendance and reliability throughout the regular season
• Coachability and willingness to contribute as a teammate
• Position needs and balance for the All-Star team roster
Coaches may submit player nominations and observations to the selection committee, but final decisions rest with the League Director and selection committee. Selection decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
Selection Timeline
• Selection committee evaluates players throughout the regular season
• Final All-Star rosters are announced after the conclusion of the regular season
• Notifications are sent directly to selected players and their families
• Public announcement of All-Star rosters occurs after all families have been individually notified
• Accepted players begin All-Star team practices and preparation as soon as rosters are finalized
Roster Size
All-Star team roster sizes vary by division and the tournament(s) being targeted. Typical rosters range from 10 to 14 players per age division. The League Director may adjust roster sizes based on tournament requirements, position needs, and player availability.
Tournament Participation
Houston United All-Star teams compete in one or more national tournaments each year. The specific tournaments are selected each season based on:
• Tournament timing relative to the conclusion of the Houston United season
• Tournament location and travel feasibility for families
• Competition level and reputation of the tournament
• Cost considerations for tournament fees, travel, and lodging
• Player and family interest
The number of tournaments and specific events will be announced after All-Star rosters are finalized. Decisions are made each season based on available opportunities and the level of family commitment, so tournament schedules may vary from year to year.
What Is Provided by the League
Houston United, through She Plays Flag Texas, provides the following to All-Star team players at no cost:
• All-Star team uniform (jersey, shorts, and any required additional team apparel)
• Tournament team registration and entry fees (subject to fundraising and league budget)
• Team coaching staff and team operations support
• League-provided team equipment for practices and tournament play
Costs for Families
All-Star tournament participation involves costs beyond league-provided items. These typically include:
• Travel to and from the tournament location (flights, fuel, transportation)
• Lodging during the tournament
• Meals during travel and tournament days
• Any optional team activities or apparel
The cost structure for families is being finalized. Houston United, as a program of She Plays Flag Texas (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is committed to making All-Star opportunities accessible. We plan to offset family costs through fundraising and sponsorship, and will communicate specific cost expectations to selected families as early as possible. We will work with families on payment plans and need-based assistance where feasible.
Family Commitments
If your daughter is selected for an All-Star team, your family commits to:
• Attending All-Star team practices and team meetings as scheduled
• Participating in All-Star fundraising activities where applicable
• Following the Houston United Code of Conduct throughout All-Star team events, including travel and tournament play
• Covering family-borne costs (travel, lodging, meals) for tournament participation
• Communicating any scheduling conflicts or concerns to the All-Star coaching staff promptly
• Adhering to All-Star team policies regarding behavior, dress code, and team activities
Accepting or Declining Selection
Selection to an All-Star team is an opportunity, not an obligation. Players and families may decline selection for any reason, including travel constraints, family commitments, financial considerations, or any other personal reason. Declined selection does not affect the player's standing in Houston United for future seasons.
Families who accept selection are expected to follow through on the commitments above. If circumstances change after acceptance and a player must withdraw, please notify the League Director as soon as possible so a replacement player can be selected from the eligible pool.
Coaching Staff
All-Star teams are coached by coaches selected by Houston United. All-Star coaches are typically drawn from coaches who served as head or assistant coaches during the Houston United regular season and demonstrated strong coaching, leadership, and alignment with the league's values. All All-Star coaches must complete background checks consistent with the Houston United Background Check Policy.
Fundraising and Sponsorship
Houston United actively fundraises to support All-Star team operations and to reduce family costs. Fundraising activities may include:
• Direct sponsorship from businesses and individuals
• Team-organized fundraising events
• Online fundraising campaigns
• Sale of branded merchandise
As a program of She Plays Flag Texas (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), donations to support Houston United All-Star teams are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Sponsors and donors interested in supporting All-Star teams can contact us at info@houstonunitedgirlsflag.org.
Code of Conduct and Player Behavior
All-Star team players and families are held to the highest standards of behavior. Selection to an All-Star team is an honor that comes with the responsibility to represent Houston United and She Plays Flag Texas well. Violations of the Code of Conduct during All-Star activities, including travel and tournament events, may result in:
• Suspension from All-Star team activities
• Removal from the All-Star team without refund of family-borne costs
• Loss of eligibility for future All-Star team selection
• Other consequences consistent with the Houston United Code of Conduct
Insurance and Liability
All-Star team participation is covered by the Houston United insurance program for sanctioned league activities. Family members traveling with players are responsible for their own insurance, including travel, medical, and trip insurance as appropriate. Houston United's Terms of Participation, Code of Conduct, and other league policies apply to All-Star team activities.
Questions
Questions about the All-Star team program can be directed to info@houstonunitedgirlsflag.org. We're happy to answer specific questions about selection, tournament participation, costs, or how families can support All-Star team operations.