Team Mama Idea: Soccer Post-Game Snacks (NEW!)

Soccer season is here! It's opening day for No. 3's soccer league and we seriously could not have asked for more perfect weather. It's suppose to be 76 degrees today! Hello Spring!!!


I volunteered to bring post-game snacks (shocker, I know!). I always try and get my turn out of the way early. Here's what I came up with:

I bought Gatorade Zeros (aka sugar free!), Teddy Grahams, and fruit snacks. I had planned to get Cuties, but the ones at my local Target were looking a tad sad. Fruit snacks have to have a little fruit in them, don't they?!

I also made these fun labels.

They say "WAY TO GOAL!!!" with a soccer ball underneath. (Click HERE for the free, printable template.)


I put everything in clear bags. Bagging snacks makes distribution SO much easier! I then stuck the labels on.

That's it! Super simple, yet still special.

Cheers to the weekend, Sports Mamas!

GO PHOENIX!!!






*** Want more soccer snack ideas? I've got you, mama! Click HERE!

Sports Mama Review: Adidas X 18.2 FG Cleats

A new soccer season is upon us! And you know what that means... yep, new cleats! My boys' feet are still growing so new cleats are always a necessity. (Click HERE to read what I do with the old ones!).


SoccerPro recently sent No. 2 a pair of Adidas X 18.2 to try out. SoccerPro provides soccer gear at great prices; they have everything from shoes to apparel to equipment. Shipping time was great, and the cleats were packaged to perfection!

The first thing that No. 2 looks for when choosing a new pair of cleats is color. He tends to gravitate toward the brighter, flashier ones- so these were right up his alley!

According to SoccerPro.com, "this silo prioritizes fit, touch and movement like no other soccer shoe. For fit on the 18.2, the premium sock offers comfort and the speed lace upper featuring a Kevlar-wire construction on the lateral side are ace. There is a speed engineered mesh for superb touch."


No. 2 has worn them for about a week and a half now (including his game today in the pouring down rain!) and seems to really like them. He says they're very comfortable and not too narrow. He also likes the fact that they are lightweight, which helps him run faster. The studs seem to provide great traction as not once did he slip or fall today, despite the soggy, wet conditions.

If your athlete is in the market for a new pair of cleats (or any other soccer related items!), I definitely recommend checking out SoccerPro. You won't be disappointed!








*** Disclaimer: SoccerPro was kind enough to send me the cleats, however, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.***

Team Mama Idea: Super Easy Soccer Cupcakes

Tomorrow is No. 2's last soccer game of the season. Which according to every single meteorologist will be played in the rain, again. Yep, I checked them all. I seriously can't remember the last time we had a dry weekend. Ugh!


After the game, we will celebrate with a team pizza party. And if you know anything about this Sports Mama, you know I couldn't help but volunteer to bring cupcakes. And not just any cupcakes, but soccer cupcakes of course!

These soccer cupcakes were easy, I mean super easy, to make. Want to learn how to make them yourself? Just keep reading!


What you'll need:

• Boxed cake mix
• Black cupcake liners
• Green icing
• Star decorating tip
• Soccer ball party picks (I found mine at Party City)

All you do:

1. Follow the directions on the box for cupcakes.
2. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
3. Once they are completely cooled, pipe on the icing (aka grass) using the star tip.
4. Stick the party pick (aka soccer ball) into the cupcake.
5. Step back and admire your work!

See, I told you they were easy. Yet they *almost* look store bought!

The only thing I would do different next time is to use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. That way it looks like dirt underneath the "grass".


Happy weekend, Sports Mamas!

*** Update: We won 3-2 AND I just found out that my boy was chosen for the ALL STAR team!!!






*** Click HERE for my football cupcakes and HERE for my basketball cupcakes! ***

10 Signs You're Probably a Soccer Mom

I love soccer season. I really do. In fact, soccer was the very beginning of my "Sports Mama Career". I've been a soccer mom for almost 10 years now (oh, that makes me feel old!).


Here are ten telltale signs that you're probably one too...

1. You have multiple weather apps on your cellphone. And you check them several times a day. Maybe, just maybe that 95% chance of thunderstorms on game day will change if I check it one more time!
2. You have a portable chair in the trunk of your car. It reclines, has a cup holder, and a canopy. And your entire family knows not to touch it!
3. Whenever you open your trunk to load groceries there's a 99.9% chance that a soccer ball (or two, or three!) will come rolling out. Hand eye coordination Mama, hand eye coordination!
4. There are water bottles every where you look; the backseat of your car, in your kid's room, heck, even in your purse. Yet, you still can't manage to walk through Target without picking up a new one. 
5. You drive your kid home from practice will all the windows down. Two words: shin guards! And if you're the mom of a goalie, bless your sweet heart. Goalie gloves may be about the only things that smell worse. GAG!
6. You spend waaay too much time on Pinterest. How else would you find all those cute soccer mom shirts and come up with all those fun, post-game snack ideas?
7. Nutmeg is no longer the name of a spice in your household.
8. You always know which store has oranges on sale. And you can slice 10 of them in the blink of an eye.
9. You buy the largest bottles of sunscreen and bug spray you can find. And you have a back up stash, just in case. Sunburn and those pesky bugs don't stand a chance!
10. You have no free Saturdays the entire season. Between commuting to and from the games, arriving early at the games for warm-ups, and the actual games themselves, you basically live at the field. And you absolutely LOVE it!

Good luck this season, Mamas!

*** Click HERE to read my Soccer Mama Survival Tips and HERE to see what I carry in my Sports Mama Bag.

Team Mama Idea: Soccer Post-Game Snacks

Today was opening day for No. 2's soccer league! I'm super excited for outdoor sports again. Although the fact that it was flurrying and 40 degrees (brrr!) at game time had me wishing I had switched places with Coach Hubby and taken No. 1 to his four AAU games today.

I volunteered to bring halftime fruit and post-game snacks. If you've been following me for a while, you've probably noticed that I like to get it out of the way early in the season. With three boys, this is what works best with our (crazy) busy schedules.


For halftime, I brought oranges. I cut and bagged them last night, so that all I had to do this morning was literally grab and go.

I believe I cut up eight large ones and they ate every single one! Click HERE to read which oranges I use as well as my favorite way to slice them.


For post-game snacks, I kept it super simple; assorted chips, fruit strips, and sports drinks.

Another thing you may know if you've read some of my prior snack idea posts, is that I like to bag my snacks. The main reason for bagging is that it makes distribution both easier and quicker, especially when you're handing out more than one snack. Aside from the convenience factor, it also allows me to get a bit creative.

I used a black permanent marker and these cute soccer ball stickers that I found at Michaels and wrote "Way To GOAL!" on quart-sized baggies. Once they dried, I added a bag of chips and a fruit strip to each one.

Such an easy, inexpensive way to kick your snacks up to the next level- no pun intended. Okay, maybe a little.


We won 6-3, and my boy scored a goal!

Made sitting in the freezing cold all worth it!








9/9/18- Here's my most recent take on soccer snacks. I found the cute bags at Party City!

*** Click HERE for my most recent post-game snack idea. Have an early morning game this season? Click HERE for post-game snack ideas. Also, be sure to check out my Soccer Mama Survival Tips as well as see what I carry in my Soccer Mama Bag!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Soccer Player Essentials

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring AND the first day of soccer practice for No. 2! I'm one happy Sports Mama. I can't wait to be at the field again, sitting in my favorite chair, wearing my favorite flip flops and my favorite shades, and of course, watching (one of) my favorite boys play!


Here is what he I am sure he has with him at all times:

• Cleats. Although they aren't technically required, they without a doubt are recommended! They help with footing and ball control. No. 2's new cleats come with a built-in sockliner which is suppose to offer lightweight cushioning and comfort.
• Shin guards. These are a requirement. They are used to protect your athlete's shins from injury. My boys prefer the slip in ones. They are easy to put on and can even be thrown in the washing machine!
• Soccer ball. Most coaches ask that each player bring a ball with them to practice. In addition to practicing as a team, they also will typically work on individual drills such as dribbling. No. 2 will be playing 13U this season and will be using a size 5 ball. (Click here to find the correct ball size for your child.)
• Water bottle. Because your athlete will get thirsty. For those super hot days, be sure to pack a few extras. You can also ensure they stay cold by sticking them in the freezer the night before!
• Sunscreen. There is usually little to no shade at soccer fields. Ain't nobody got time for sunburn! I always look for ones that say "sport" on the bottle as they have the best staying power for sweaty athletes. I also make sure that it has a SPF of at least 50, and prefer sprays over lotions as they make the application process a cinch!
• Extra jersey. We have both blue and white jerseys, for home and away games. Even though I write every game (along with all pertinent details!) in my planner, things happen. Like my kid wearing his blue jersey when the rest of his team is wearing white... true story! So now, we take both with us. Just in case!
• Drawstring bag. To store ALL the things. Makes transport super easy as well! They can even throw in their preferred accessories, such as hand sanitizer, keys, and cellphone.

Here are a few other items which are not essentials, but seem to be quite popular amongst youth players these days:

• Slides. For comfort on the way to and from the field.
• Headband. To keep their hair out of their face. Or simply for looks.
• Compression shirts and pants. Helps keep them cool and dry. They come in a variety of colors, so finding some to match your athlete's uniform should be a breeze.

Let the season begin!




Have an essential not mentioned above? Feel free to share it in the comment section below!






*** Click HERE to see what I carry in my Sports Mama soccer bag!

Not All Sports Mamas Are Created Equal

Not all sports mamas are created equal.


Some never miss a single practice; while others only attend games.


Some run up and down the sidelines ringing their cowbells and cheering at the top of their lungs; while others silently grin from ear to ear in their seats.


Some are decked out from head to toe in their athlete's team colors; while for others a simple t-shirt may do.


Some volunteer to be team mom; while others prefer to volunteer as needed.


Some know each and every rule of the game; while some still have to ask "what does 3 seconds mean again?".


Some are front and center for each and every game (rain, snow, or shine); while others prefer to watch from the comfort of their cars.


Some are quick to let it be known if they feel that the ref made a bad call; some just sigh and keep it moving.


Some like to sit and chat among the other mamas, while some enjoy keeping to themselves and catching up on their favorite book.


Some like to plan the end of season party; while others feel more comfortable helping with clean up.


Some have been sports mamas for over ten years; and some are in their rookie season.


You see, not all sports mamas are created equal.


And I'm here to tell you that it's ok. One type of sports mama is not better than another.


Each one is perfect for their own athlete.


So next time you begin to compare yourself to one of your fellow sports mamas, remember that you are exactly who your athlete needs.


You are present, you are positive, you are proud, you are perfect!

*** Join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook group and connect with an awesome group of sports mamas just like yourself!

Sports Mama Tip: Five 2018 Sports Mom New Year's Resolutions

Resolution (noun): a firm decision to do or not to do something.


At the beginning of each and every new year, most of us make a New Year's resolution. Sometimes it's to lose weight, eat healthier, spend less money. And according to one commonly cited statistic, only 8% of us keep them. I've probably been a part of the other 92% more often than not. But this year, I am aiming to be with the minority.


Today I'm sharing with you 5 sports mama resolutions that I not only think we can all benefit from, but more importantly that I think we can all actually keep!

1. Be present. I don't just mean physically showing up to practices and games. I mean paying more attention. Putting your book or smart phone away and catching as much of the action as you can. Being able to remember a specific play if your child brings it up later.
2. Be positive. Be positive about how they played individually, how they played as a team, how the coach coached, and how the officials officiated. Be positive whether they win or lose. Our job is to be their number one fan, not their number one critic.
3. Be supportive. Help out whenever and wherever you can. Get them to games on time, organize post-game snacks, work the clock, volunteer to carpool, fill in if the coach will be absent. All these little things greatly contribute to the overall success (or lack thereof!) of the team.
4. Be understanding. Understand that they won't always have a great game. Understand that they won't always win. Understand that they won't always play the position you'd like them to play. Understand that they are the athlete, not you.
5. Be their mom. Not their coach. Not the referee. Not their harshest critic. Be the one to pick them up when they're down. Be the first one to congratulate them after each and every game. Be the one they see smiling from ear to ear whenever they look up into the stands. Be the one they can always count on for encouragement. Be the one that loves them more than anyone else on the field or court!

Cheers to another great year, mamas!




What are some of your sports mama resolutions? Share them in the comment section below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!

Sports Mama Tip: How To Deal With a Losing Season

"It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game". We've all heard it a thousand times before. And to a certain extent, it's true. Especially in youth sports. But let's face it, no one is having fun when you're constantly losing (especially if you're losing badly!); not the players, nor the parents.


My boys have each had at least one losing season. When No. 1 was in the 5th grade, his travel basketball team lost all 11 of their games. That same year, No. 2's 4th grade basketball team lost of all their games. And most recently, No. 3's Fall soccer team lost each and every one of their games. It was not easy. And it was definitely not fun, but they stuck with it.


Just yesterday a family member mentioned that their son was going to quit his basketball team after they lost their first game 57-12 last Saturday. I bit my tongue and we moved on to the next subject.


I don't know about you, but that would definitely NOT be allowed in our house! There is no I in team. Win or lose, they are committed for the entire season.


So, what can you do to keep your player motivated and committed during a challenging season?

Listen to them. If they feel like talking, of course. Be a shoulder to lean on. A good listening, non-judgmental confidant. We all know that talking and expressing our feelings is one of the best forms of therapy.


Be their mom, not their coach. Leave the stat chat on the field. There is no need to press the issue. Instead focus on how proud you are of them for doing their best and finishing each game strong. Tell them about a time you faced adversity.


Praise them for what they did well. It's not all about scoring the most goals or baskets. Did they keep their composure? Did they show great sportsmanship? Did they play the entire game because the team was short players? Did they cheer their teammates on? All of these are attributes of a great athlete.


Give them real life examples. Tell them about how Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team yet went on to be the most known basketball player in history. Tell them how there have been a total of 11 NFL teams to go completely winless in a season. Children look up to famous people. Let them know they too have had tough seasons.


Shift their focus elsewhere. Sometimes you just need to forget it even happened, especially after a big loss. Take them out for a post-game lunch date, grab some fro-yo, or go for a walk to the park. Whatever it takes to get their thoughts elsewhere.


As Coach Hubby tells his teams "everyone knows how to win, but not everyone knows how to lose." These tough seasons without a doubt build character. If they won every single game, all the time, there would be absolutely nothing to gain; nothing to build on. Losing builds character. It makes them work harder. It teaches them to overcome adversity. It makes them appreciate victories, both small and large. In other words, it gives them life skills.


So while losing is not the ideal season, it should not be seen as a wasted season either. Every practice and game is a lesson learned, regardless of the score.

Sports Mama Tip: Gift Ideas For Your Team Mom!

Team mamas are special. They are the team secretary, team cheerleader, team organizer, team party planner, team nurse, team counselor, team chauffeur, team photographer, amongst so many other things. In the words of my sweet friend Mindy, she is "the lady on the field that loves those boys just as much as their own mom".


Despite being all of these things, a fellow football mama brought to my attention recently that there aren't many resources out there with ideas for gifts for team moms. She asked me if I'd write a post with some, so here we go!

• Personalized apparel. Team mamas are full of team spirit, so you just can't go wrong with giving her something that she can wear proudly in the stands. Add a little bling if you can; because bleachers and bling, it's a sports mama thing!
• Meal prep service. I received a certificate for one of these a few seasons ago, and let me tell you- it came in handy! Your team mama spends more time at practices and games than she does at home, she'll take all the help she can get when it comes to cooking. Winner, winner, chicken (or whatever else she feels like eating!) dinner!
• Sports (spectating) gear. Because after all, that's what she does best. A cowbell, touchdown jar , stadium blanket, monopod; basically anything she can use on the sidelines is sure to have her smiling from ear to ear!
• Gift card. I don't think you can ever go wrong with this one. If you aren't exactly sure where to get her one to, a Visa is always your safest bet. This way she can buy herself whatever her little heart desires.
• Thank you card. This is hands down the gift that touches my heart the most. Your team mama doesn't do all that she does for the recognition. She does it because she loves it. A few kind words go a long way!
• Trophy! I've never received one, but I came across this one on Pinterest and thought it was the cutest thing EVER!!!

What gifts have you given your favorite team mamas? Let me know in the comment section below!






*** 11/6/18 No. 1's Freshman football team surprised me with this football signed by the entire team. I absolutely LOVE it!!! I'm sure your team mama would too!

And how cool is this?!?

Heather S., one of the awesomely creative Sports Mamas in our Facebook Group made it for her team mama!

Fall Sports: A Look Through My Camera Lens

Fall is a busy time for us. The lax days of Summer come to an end, a new school year begins, and all three of the boys are once again involved in sports. Both No. 1 and No. 2 are playing football (on different teams!) and No. 3 is playing soccer. And mama, well she resumes her role as resident photographer.

Here is a small peak into our Fall through the eyes of my camera:

Though there is no way that I can stop my boys from growing up, I am ever so grateful that I CAN pause these precious moments with the simple click of a button.