Expanding Opportunity for KH Bay United Players with the High Performance Player Program
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At Kings Hammer Bay United, we believe great players can come from anywhere, including right here in Panama City Beach and the Florida Panhandle. The High Performance Player (HPP) Program exists to make sure our players aren’t limited when they’re ready for their next challenge.
Recently, Emerson Weeks (2012) became the first Kings Hammer Bay United player to take part in an HPP cross-club event, joining the Kings Hammer Cincinnati B12 NAL Elite team. His experience is a great example of how HPP opens doors and creates meaningful development opportunities for our players.
What Is the HPP Program?
The High Performance Player Program is designed for players who are ready to be pushed beyond their usual environment.
Through HPP, select players may have the opportunity to:
Play in higher-level leagues or tournaments
Train with older age groups
Participate in cross-club events within the Kings Hammer network
For players in Greater Panama City, HPP helps close the gap between local competition and the national Kings Hammer platform, making sure opportunity matches ability.
“It was a lot of fun. The speed of play was much quicker and more intense. I liked being able to play with different players and work with the Cincinnati coaching staff. I hope to have the chance to play with them again soon.” – Emerson Weeks, KHBU B12 Player
Who Is HPP For?
HPP is designed for players who consistently demonstrate:
A strong technical foundation
A competitive mindset and high soccer IQ
Coachability and a willingness to learn
A desire to be challenged
Age alone doesn’t determine HPP eligibility. Instead, the focus is on readiness and long-term growth. When a player within our club shows they’re ready for more, HPP helps provide that next step.
How Are Players Selected?
HPP selections come from close collaboration between:
Kings Hammer Bay United coaches
Club leadership
National technical staff
Players are evaluated on more than just results. We look at:
How they train and compete
How they handle faster pace and physical play
Their attitude, resilience, and professionalism
Their overall development potential
The goal is simple: identify players who will benefit from being challenged and support them when they step into that challenge.
Why HPP Matters
Development doesn’t follow a straight line, and not every player grows at the same pace.
For our players across Panama City Beach and the Florida Panhandle, the HPP program offers:
Access to elite competition beyond the local area
Exposure to national level coaching and standards
Confidence that comes from testing themselves at a higher level
A clearer picture of what the next level looks like
For Kings Hammer Bay United as a whole, Emerson’s experience represents something bigger than one event. It shows what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity and how a connected club pathway can benefit every player in our program.
“We were excited to see Emerson benefit and excel in our HPP Program. By bringing together elite talent within the Kings Hammer network, players gain valuable exposure to elevated competition, diverse playing styles and challenging environments that accelerate development and prepare them for the next level of youth soccer.” Jon Rhodes, Director of Coaching for Kings Hammer Bay United.
As the program continues to grow, HPP will remain a key pathway for motivated players across Panama City Beach and the Florida Panhandle to pursue the highest levels of development available within Kings Hammer.
