Team Mama Idea: How to Run a Successful Concession Stand + TEN Best Selling Items!

Concession stands are without a doubt one of the greatest fundraisers in sports. I mean people have to eat, right? That being said, they do require quite a bit of work. But don't worry mama, I've got you covered!


Here are my tips to help you take your concession stand game to the next level.

• Plan ahead. Where will you set up? How large of a crowd are you expecting? Will you have access to a grill? The better prepared you are, the better the end result.
• Take a trip to your local wholesale club. Buying in bulk will save you both time and money.
• Round up volunteers. You want to have at least 2 people working per shift. We have 3 during No. 1's high school basketball games, and let me tell you, there are times when we could use a 4th... especially for those Friday night Varsity games! Using a SignUpGenius is my favorite way to keep track of volunteers- it'll even send them a reminder a couple of days before.
• Keep prices fair. Remember, you want people to buy from you. Not from the drive-thru or convenience store down the street!
• Make a "menu". Be sure to list all available items, including prices. Set out a couple for customers and keep one for you and your crew. This is a huge time saver!!
• Assign roles. Your goal is to get people through the line as quickly as possible. The best way I've found to do that is by forming an assembly line. (i.e. If there are three of you, one can take orders, the second can handle the money, and the third can be the runner aka get the food).
• Have fun. Working concessions doesn't have to be stressful. I actually enjoy it! You can sign up to work with a couple of your Sports Mama bffs and even meet some new people.

And now, as promised. I asked hundreds of Sports Mamas in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group for their best sellers, and the winners are (in no particular order):

1. Hot dogs. There's just something about a good ol' hotdog wrapped in aluminum foil that is almost impossible to resist. They are inexpensive and easy. They can be grilled (outdoors over charcoal or indoors on a George Foreman), boiled, or even cooked in the crockpot!
2. Chic-fil-A sandwiches. I'm not sure that anything sells quicker than these! I mean, who doesn't love Chic-fil-A? Your local restaurant will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have and may even offer a discounted fundraiser rate!
3. Pizza. Order it ahead of time, especially when ordering a large quantity. Once it arrives, individually wrap each slice in a piece of foil- it'll not only help to keep it warm, it'll also make distribution a breeze. You can never go wrong with cheese and pepperoni!
4. Noodle cups. Kids love those things!
5. Water. Because what concession stand doesn't sell water.
6. Gatorade. These are always great to have, especially for athlete's needing to rehydrate post-game.
7. Hot chocolate. Perfect for those cold, late night games!
8. Popcorn. Another best seller. No fancy popcorn machine? No worries! Our school sells the individual, microwaveable bags. We pop them fresh to order. That buttery smell reels customers right in. We can't keep it in stock!
9. Nachos. You can keep it simple by offering only cheese or go all out and offer chili or even walking tacos. The possibilities really are endless!
10. Candy. Skittles, Starburst, and Ring Pops are always fan favorites!

*** Honorable mentions. Fries, burgers, chicken tenders, and pickle pops (I had never heard of a pickle pop before. You learn something new every day!).

I hope you find these tips helpful! What are your best sellers?






*** Looking for more fundraiser ideas? I can help with that! Click HERE for my top TEN, tried and tested ideas!

Sports Mama Tip: Rainy Game Day Essentials

Rain, rain, go away. It rained ALL weekend long here in Northern Virginia. Ugh. But, sports must go on! After sitting through four (yes, four!) games in the rain (2 soccer and 2 football), I realized that I have yet to write a post on rainy game day essentials, so, here we are!

• Poncho. My number one essential! I'm currently using this one. It is large, durable, and reusable. My clothes, head, and hair all stayed completely dry. I paid less than $10 for it and is holding up very well thus far!
• Umbrella. A no brainer. I'm on the hunt for a new one. Have one that you love? Please let me know!
• Hat. An added layer of protection under your poncho. I like to tuck all of my hair into mine because curly hair + rain = a hot mess!
• Rain boots. You can even find a pair to match your team colors! No rain boots? No problem! Any pair of waterproof, closed toe shoes will do!
• Layers. Layers and game days go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cold rainy day? Put on a few extra. Warm, humid and rainy? Take a couple off. There's nothing worse than being too chilly or too hot and not being able to do anything about it!
• Hand warmers. Nothing worse than being wet AND cold!
• Towel. To wipe the rain off of bleachers. To wipe the rain off of yourself.
• Stadium seat/cushion. Because who wants to sit on wet bleachers?! Umm.. not me!!
• Chair. At a game with no bleachers? Bring a chair. You can even get one like this with a canopy!
• Canopy. Speaking of canopies, they're not just for shade. They work just as well for keeping you (and your Sports Mama bffs!) dry. You can set it up on the sidelines or in the stands. Your choice!

Honorable mention:

• Under the Weather Pod. I don't own one, nor have I ever used one. In fact, I'm not sure I'd ever want to own one. BUT, I know that people are using them. In fact, I saw a mama with one at No. 3's flag football games last season. And I'll tell you what. She was definitely the driest person on the field. HA!

Stay dry, Sports Mamas!


Do you have a rainy game day essential that I missed? Let me know in the comment section below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!










*** Be sure to click HERE for my warm weather essentials and HERE for my cold weather essentials!

Sports Mama Tip: Cold Weather Essentials

Baby, it's COLD outside! In fact, we're expecting 2-4 inches of snow here in Northern Virginia. Lucky for me, all three of my boys play basketball during the Winter so I can't complain too much. BUT, that doesn't mean that I'm not outside freezing my sports mama butt off during the end of football season and the beginning of Spring soccer!


I'd like to think that I've learned a thing or two over the last decade as a great portion of that time has been spent sitting on the sidelines of a field. And staying warm is definitely one of them!


Here is my list of cold weather essentials to help keep you warm and toasty all season long:

• Coat. A real coat; not a sweatshirt, fleece, or windbreaker. You need an insulated coat with a hood. Columbia and North Face make some super warm (and cute!) ones.
• Beanie. Even if your coat has a hood, you still want to wear one underneath. Being that it is fitted, it will do a much better job at keeping your head (and ears) warm!
• Gloves. I don't know about you? But, my hands are always the first thing to get cold! And cold hands are painful; and lead to dry, cracked hands of course. Click HERE to learn how to make your own spirit finger gloves!
• Wool socks. And after my hands, it's my toes!
• Layers. You can always take them off if you get too warm. This is probably my number one cold weather essential. I like the 32° brand Heat Base Layers. They're very similar to long underwear, but more lightweight. No more looking like you're wearing a diaper. Ha!
• Uggs. They are the absolute warmest boots in my opinion! I have a few different types, but the classic tall ones are my go-to when I know I'll be out in the cold. 
• Hand warmers. With just a quick shake, they help keep your hands warm for up to 10 hours. I simply tuck them inside of my gloves (or Uggs!) and I'm good to go!
• Blanket(s). I use a packable, down throw blanket that I received from one of my favorite football mama's a couple of years back. I love it because it's lightweight, yet very warm. And my favorite part about it is that it comes with a carrying bag that fits perfectly in my Sports Mama Bag!
• Stadium seat. If your field has bleachers, of course. There's nothing worse than not having to sit on cold bleachers. They even make heated ones! If you don't have one, a thick blanket will do!
• Hot chocolate. Because your insides deserve to be warm too! You can buy some at the concession stand or make your own at home and carry it in your favorite stainless-steel thermos.
• Portable heater. Perfect for keeping toasty while tailgating!

Stay warm, mamas!






Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comment section below!






*** Warm in your neck of the woods? No worries. I got you covered, Mama! Click HERE to read my Warm Weather Essentials. ***

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: Hassle Free, Crockpot Hot Dogs

Kiss the days of having to tote around a small grill or a million individually foil wrapped hot dogs goodbye! My favorite way to prepare hotdogs for a sports team is in the crockpot! Yes, you heard read right. YOU CAN MAKE HOT DOGS IN THE CROCKPOT!!!

Why do I like making them in the crockpot? Let me count the ways! For starters, it's super easy. All you need is a crockpot and hot dogs. Here's what you do:

1. Remove the hot dogs from their packaging and place them into your crockpot. You can stack them or stand them upright. Your preference. I have fit up to 50 hot dogs in mine!
2. Place the lid on your crockpot. No need to add water! Cook them on high for two hours or low for four hours. That's it. The slow cooker will do all of the work!
3. Remove them with tongs when ready to serve.

Could it get any easier?!?

Another reason I prefer making them this way is because they are portable, which makes for easy traveling. You can even cook them at the field, so long as there is an electrical outlet.


They also stay warm. Once they are finished cooking, simply set your crockpot to the "warm" setting and walk away until ready to serve.


And finally, no more soggy buns! There is nothing worse than soggy bread. I keep them in the crockpot until the very last minute possible. They go from crockpot to bun to mouth. Yum!

I hope this tip was helpful. Next time you have an army to feed, buy some hot dogs and whip out that crockpot!

Sports Mama Tip: How To Be A Great Team Mom!

Team moms make the world team go round. We are one of THE most important people on the team, right up there with the coaches!


My boys have been on teams with some amazing, and not-so amazing team moms over the years. I don't ever want to be placed on the "not-so" amazing list. While I will say it can take quite a bit of effort, it doesn't have to take a ton of time.


Here are my tried and tested tips for being a great team mom:

• Be organized- There are so many online tools to help with this; from rosters to tracking payments to posting game schedules. Click HERE to read my previous post on my favorite go-to sites and apps.
• Communicate- If you don't know what's going on, no one does! True story. 99.9% of the team emails will come from you.
• Be present- Try to attend all practices and games, when possible. Parents will have questions, and they won't always be able to get to the coach. You will serve as the point of contact between them.
• Be prepared- It is always better to be over prepared, than under prepared. Keep a sports mama bag with you at all times. Essential items to include are extra waters, a mini first-aid kit, ice pack(s), and the team roster/contact information.
• Delegate responsibilities- You just can't do it all... and you shouldn't have to! Ask for (assign if needed!) volunteers. They can help with snacks, chains, game film, etc. It takes a village.
• Plan ahead- Don't wait until the last minute to plan end of season events; party, coaches gifts, players gifts. You know it's coming. In football, having a touchdown jar is one of the easiest (and less stressful!) ways to do this. You could even tailor this to other sports (i.e. goals in soccer or three pointers in basketball).
• Go the extra mile- This is what sets you apart from the rest. Take (and share!) lots of photos , make banners for them to run through, plan team outings (local high school games are always fun!), have a cowbell decorating party, make jersey number cheat sheets, bake goodies. These little things go a long way!
• Stay out of the drama- Yep, even youth sports come with a bit of drama. Being the team mom, you are privy to lots of information. Don't get caught up in the chatter and gossip. Take the high road by smiling and keeping it moving.
• Enjoy every moment- Of course there will be some days that you'd rather be sitting on your couch than on the bleachers at the field. There will also be some parents that you would never choose to be BFFs with. Just take a few deep breaths and keep it moving. I promise that the good times will definitely outweigh the bad. I wouldn't keep volunteering to do it if they didn't!

Good luck, mama! You've got this!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Sports Photography Basics

Let me first start off by saying that I am by NO means a professional. I'm just a mama who likes taking pictures of her kids... especially when they're playing sports. And seriously, when aren't they playing sports?! In fact, I'm known to post photos on Instagram with the hash tag "Mamarazzi". Ha. True story!


Here are some of my best tips for photographing your athlete:

1. Invest in a good camera. Cell phone cameras just do not compare to DSLRs. Period. I currently shoot with a Canon T3i. If you can invest in a longer range lens, even better. Especially when you're shooting from the stands!
2. Use a fast shutter speed. I wish I could shoot in manual, but I'm just not there yet. I shoot in Sports Mode. It selects the shutter speed, auto focuses, and takes continuous shots. This ensures that you get many pictures of each and every play.
3. Get up close to the action. Obviously not all sports will allow you to do this, but when you can, do it. The closer you are, the more personal the story. Facial expressions are everything!
4. Know the game. Will the players be running towards you, or away from you? Will they switch sides at halftime? Knowing and anticipating what will happen next are crucial.
5. Photograph the entire story. Don't forget to snap pictures of them warming up, taking a water break, tying their shoes, high fiving their teammates after a great play, walking off the field or court post victory (or loss!). Photographing the fans is also something that I like to do. Their faces tell some of the best stories!
6. Take a ton of pictures. Hundreds, heck, even thousands. The more the better! This is probably my number one tip... especially for amateurs like myself. You're bound to get at least one amazing shot.
7. Practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Just shoot, shoot, shoot. Your player (and their team!) will thank you later. I promise!

I hope you found these tips helpful.

Click away, mamas. Get your mamarazzi on!






*** Click HERE for my tips on taking the perfect team pic!

Sports Mama Tip: My Go-To Sites & Apps

I rely on several websites and iPhone apps to help me make it through the season, especially when I'm Team Mama. Here are a list of the ones that I just cannot live without:

• TEAMSNAP- This has been my go-to website for managing teams for the past several years. There are paid upgrades, as well as a standard free version. Basically, it's your own personal webpage for your team. With this one site only, I am able to add our roster (including contact info for players, coaches, and parents), our practice and game schedules, track a player's availability, upload videos and photos, create a snack sign-up list, send messages (emails, texts, and IMs), track our win/loss record, and much more. There also have an app that you can download onto your smart phone.
• SIGNUPGENIUS- It's name speaks for itself. It's a free website that allows you to "say goodbye to reply-all emails and paper sign-up sheets". I use it to create all different types of sign-ups including for snacks, team tailgates, and end of season celebrations. It's quick, easy, and effective.
• FACEBOOK- You know what it is, I know what it is. We all know what it is! I like to use the "page" feature to set up a team page. It allows me to share info including photos and videos to help extended family and friends stay up to day with our team. Just remember not to post any information you wouldn't want to potentially be shared with strangers.
• MAPQUEST- Because I simply have no sense of direction. Embarrassing, but true. I use this app to get to just about every game...except for home games, of course. Ha!
• PINTEREST- Pinterest is my favorite site/app ever! Not only for sports related ideas, but for any other possible idea you could think of. Tired of the same old boring post-game snacks? Go to Pinterest! No clue what to give your child's coach at the end of the season? Go to Pinterest! Need some team spirit ideas? Go to Pinterest! I promise you will not be disappointed!
• ETSY- I like to think that I'm a DIYer, but let's face it. Sometimes a sports mama needs a little help! Etsy describes itself as a "world of vintage and handmade goods".  One of my favorite things to use it for is to purchase unique items including coaches gifts and spirit wear.

Have any go-to sites that you simply can't live without? Please feel free to share them below!

*** Update 7/6/18- It's been a little over a year since I originally wrote this blog post, and I have a couple of new go-to sites/apps that I just have to share with your all!

• Tourney Machine- The one stop shop site/app for keeping up with all things AAU Basketball. It allows me to view schedules, standings, brackets, AND results. The results are entered almost instantly, which is perfect for those games that I can't make it to because it's impossible for me to be in two places at once. And best of all, it's free!
• Waze- I know, I know. I'm late to the party. Coach Hubby has raved about Waze for sometime now, but I'm just now getting on board. I still use my MapQuest, but I do really enjoy the "non-directions" portion that they offer (i.e. real-time alerts regarding accidents, road hazards, and of course, police!). So helpful! And again, it's free!

In the words of one of my Sports Mama friends, Beth, "Sports Mamas gotta stick together and share the resources." Are you using and loving any apps that I missed? Comment down below or share them in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!

Weekend Snapshots + A Bonus Sports Mama Tip!

Hey mamas! Just wanted to share a few snapshots from this past weekend. No. 2 had a soccer game, No. 1 had a basketball game, and No. 3 had a flag football game. And guess what?? I got to see ALL THREE! None of them conflicted with the others...winning!

Saturday began with a soccer game. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather!

Yep, that's my kid with the two different color socks on. Nope, it's not a new style. He has no clue where his other white one is. Ha!



The game ended in a tie, 2-2.

After soccer, we rushed to No. 1's basketball game. We had little to no time to get from Northern Virginia to DC. Gotta love travel sports!

They lost in OT. Such a heartbreaker!

No. 3's flag game was on Sunday.

And they WON!!! They won so big that the game was ended on a mercy rule, 28-0! Best of all, both his big brothers were there to cheer him on. Go Bills!

After the game, they celebrated with Bills themed cupcakes.

*** Sports mama tip: Next time you bring cupcakes to a game, try placing them in individual clear cups (pictured above). They are WAY easier to pass out this way (think no more icing on your hands!) AND you can even squeeze in a napkin. Your fellow sports mamas will definitely thank you for that. Trust me! I know I will be using this tip in the (near) future.

What do you do to cut down on messes when transporting goodies to and from the field? Feel free to share in the comment section below. I'm always on the hunt for new ideas!







Sports Mama Tip: Travel Basketball Backpack Essentials

I've already written a What's In My Basketball Mama Bag post, but what should your travel basketball player pack in THEIR bag???


No. 1 is currently using the Nike Hoops Elite Backpack. They were ordered as a team. It's water resistant, has a mesh sleeve that can fit up to a size 15 (15!) pair of sneakers, a vented wet/dry compartment which allows him to store any dirty clothes, and not to mention pretty cool looking!

Here's what goes inside:

• Basketball sneakers. Most travel players wear slides aka sandals or non-basketball sneakers to and from the games. Comfort is key.
• Shooting shirt. Gym temperatures are so unpredictable. It may be a little too cool to walk around in just a jersey while waiting for the game to begin. If it's really cold out, you can throw in a sweatshirt.
• Knee Pads. They're used to protect their knees should they go down, but I'm pretty sure most kids these days mainly wear them for looks.
• Mouthpiece. Chipped teeth can happen in basketball too!
• Headband. To keep the sweat out of their eyes and/or the hair out of their face.
• Water Bottle. Self explanatory. Hydration is crucial! I usually add some powdered Gatorade mix to it. Much cheaper than buying bottled Gatorades!
• Hand sanitizer. This is definitely me being a mama bear. My *hope* is that he'll use it when snacking in between games.
• Cellphone. Because he's a teenager. And because sometimes I can't make it due to scheduling conflicts with No. 2 and No. 3. This allows me to reach him for game updates, should I need to.
• Snacks. Tournaments can be LONG. They will get hungry, it's a given. I make sure he has a mixture of fruit, granola bars, and something sweet.
• Cash. Sometimes they need more than snacks. Especially when there are hours in between games. I like to be sure he has a little money should he need to buy a hotdog or something more filling from the concession stand.

I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Go Stars!!!






*** Click HERE to read my AAU Tournament Survival Tips!

What's In My Sports Mama Bag? Basketball Edition!

As a sports mom, being prepared is key. It doesn't matter the sport, you want to be prepared for whatever the day may bring (especially when there is travel involved).


In this first edition of "What's In My Sports Mama Bag?", I will tell you what I pack for a day of basketball.

Let's begin with the type of bag I use. Of course you can use whatever type of bag you'd like, however, my bag of choice is a tote bag. Nothing wrong with backpacks, they just aren't my style. I ordered mine from Etsy. It is 100% cotton canvas, has two front pockets, and tons of room inside. Best of all, it was totally customizable! I was able to choose the quote and color scheme. Click HERE if you'd like to order your own.

With all three boys playing basketball now, two in rec and the other in travel, we can easily have three games in a single day. Sometimes even more if No. 1 has a tournament.


Here's what I am always sure to have with me:

• My planner. Let's face it. If mama doesn't know what is going on, no one knows what is going on. My planner keeps track of all practices, games, times, and locations. I've started color coding it all (No. 1 is blue, No. 2 is green, and No. 3 is purple) which is making it so much easier to keep up with.
• Stadium seat. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt!
• Hand sanitizer. Because boys... self explanatory.
• My phone. For all the usual reasons. Iphones also take some pretty good pictures and videos!
• Pens. In case I need to jot something down in my planner. Or if hubby is asked to keep stats.
• Water bottle. Although whoever is playing takes their own, I always bring an extra. I get thirsty. And the minute I take a sip, whichever of my kid(s) is not playing gets thirsty as well... of course!
• Snacks! This is a must. Kids are always hungry...especially when they see a concession stand or vending machines. Bringing your own stash will help save you money.
• Cash. In case I have to pay to get into the game(s) or my kids win the battle of the concession stand.
• Chapstick/Lipstick. For mama touch-ups.
• First-aid kid.  Just in case. Click here to see what goes inside. 

What do you carry in your basketball mama bag that I don't? I'd love to hear about it!

***Have a soccer player? Click HERE to read what I carry in my soccer mama bag and HERE to read what I carry in my football mama bag!  !***