Sports Mama Tip: 5 Ways to Volunteer That Don't Require a Ton of Time

An interesting topic came up yesterday on my never ending football mama group chat. We got onto the discussion of volunteers, specifically how it seems to always be the same people volunteering for everything; sports, school, etc.


After sending several eye roll gifs back and forth (true story!), our group chat moved in a different direction. One of my favorite mamas said, "I think people want to help but don't know how or are afraid to step on toes. I remember my first season I was worried about stepping on Mindy and Vanessa's toes-but I was being silly.". And you know what? I completely understood her. In fact, I replied telling her that I'm kind of at that place with No. 2's team. Now his team mama is just as sweet as she can be, and has never given me a reason to feel that way, but I still do.


That chat was the inspiration for this post. I know there are probably so many others who feel the same way; so many others who want to volunteer but may not have the time to coach or be team mama; or so many others who want to volunteer, but quite simply just don't know how.


If you fit into those one of those categories, this post is just for you.


Here are 5 great ways to volunteer that do not require too much time:

1. Be the snack patrol. You can volunteer to organize post-game snacks and drinks for the team. Whether you send out an electronic sign-up sheet or do it the good ol' fashion way, your team mama will appreciate you... and so will those hungry and thirsty little (and maybe, not-so-little!) players!
2. Work the concession stand. This is a way to volunteer to help not only your child's team, but the entire club as a whole. Pick a date that works for you, donate a few hours, and flip those burgers mama!
3. Head up coaches gifts. This is a FANTASTIC way to help! Especially when your team mama is the coach's wife. It can feel a little awkward for some to ask for money to spend on their husband. Click HERE for some of my favorite end of season gift ideas!
4. Be the team photographer. This is a great idea for those that already love being behind the camera. Volunteer to take game pictures and then post them to your team's share site. Click HERE for some of my photography tips!
5. Work the chains (or the equivalent in your sport). Our football club requires 3 volunteers (aged 16 and over) to work the chains at all home games. The game cannot and will not begin without them. The best part is that you literally get to stand on the sidelines. There is not a better seat in the house!

Like I've said a million times before, youth sports definitely take a village!


I hope you found this post helpful. Please feel free to share any other volunteer ideas you may have in the comment section below.

Happy volunteering!

Team Mama Idea: Prepping for Home Games

Yesterday was our home opener! And we WON!!! I love home games. More fans, no long drives across town, and all of the fun preparation that goes into it. Here's what I'm sure to do for our team before all home games:

• Make a banner. The boys absolutely love running through them. They're super easy and fun to make... especially when you have the extra hands. I always send out an email asking for volunteers, siblings are great help as well! All you need is banner paper (any light color will do) and art supplies. I usually print the slogan out. Some of my favorites are "One Team, One Dream" and "Teamwork Makes The Dream Work". Once the slogan is glued on, I like to handwrite each players name and jersey number around it. That's it! Oh yeah, I do perforate it in the middle a little bit...these are 80 and 90 pounders after all. We don't want them bouncing off the banner, ha!

• Host a post-practice tailgate. We like to "tailgate" following the final practice before our home games. It's a great way to bring the team together in a non-football setting. It also helps parents not have to worry about making/picking up dinner. We set up in whatever space we can find off of the field. Some of my favorite tailgate foods are pizza, hot dogs (did you know they could be cooked in the crockpot??), and chili. Of course these are simply the main dishes- I also send out a sign up sheet via SignUp Genius asking for volunteers for fruit, dessert, chips, drinks, and paper products. The players have a blast and so do the parents...especially when *mama drinks* are included. Click HERE for more tailgate tips!

• Prearrange for volunteers. Football is not a one man sport. It takes a village. Three people need to work the chains, someone needs to record the game, someone needs to bring halftime fruit, and someone needs to bring post-game snacks and drinks. This never changes. The more hands involved, the better. I send out an email at the beginning of the week, and have never not had enough volunteers.

• Send out a reminder email. If you use a type of team management site such as TeamSnap or Shutterfly, it will automatically be sent for you. They should include the date, location, time to arrive, uniform to be worn, and a  list of volunteers (fulfilled/needed). If you are using a touchdown jar, include a line reminding them to bring bills and loose change. Not sure what a touchdown jar is, read my blog post on it: Touchdown Jar! Who, What, Where, When, Why?

• Get a good night's rest. This one is critical. My hubby and I are always sure to get our boys to bed at a decent hour. Just like milk, rest does a body good.

What do you do to prep for home games? I'd love to hear about it!