Sports Mama Tip: How to Clean Football Equipment

"If you smell bad, you're going to play bad!" No, I didn't come up with that. Although I wish I had! I actually heard one of No. 1's high school football coaches say that last week... right after he begged them to, "Please, PLEASE wash your pads!" HA!


If there's anything I've learned in my first few weeks as a high school football mama, it's that the stink struggle is REAL, y'all!


So what can you and your player do to help cut down on the terrible smell that is tackle football? Here's what works in our house:

1. Air it out. Don't leave equipment (i.e. pads, helmets, gloves) in the trunk of your car. Moisture harbors bacteria. Bacteria = funk. Remove all equipment from the car after each and every practice and game. Leave it in your mudroom, garage, or even on your porch. Fresh air works wonders!
2. Wipe it down. Use an antibacterial wipe to wipe down shoulder pads, chin straps, and the inside of helmets at least once a week. Every other day is ideal, especially if your football player is prone to break outs!
3. Wash it frequently. Practice jerseys, uniforms, girdles, and gloves. GAG! There may not be is not a worse smell in the world. Seriously. Don't forget to add them to your weekly cycle of laundry. Yes, even gloves can be thrown in the washer! Once washed, hang them up and allow to air dry. DO NOT put them in the dryer! Unless of course, coach would be ok with them wearing a melted number...
4. FEBREZE! It will be your BFF during the season. I promise! Spray their equipment, spray their uniform, spray your car, spray them! Just kidding, please don't spray them.

Don't forget about mouthguards! A little dish soap, a toothbrush, and warm water is all you need!


I hope your found this post helpful! What are your tips to avoid having to ride with alllll the windows down in 95 degree heat after picking your kid up from practice?!? PLEASE share them below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group.

An Open Letter From a Football Mom

Dear Mama on the Fence,


I understand your concern. I understand your fear.


It seems like everywhere we turn these days, football is getting a bad rep.


My son "will never play football. No, no."- Justin Timberlake, days before he was set to take the field at halftime of Super Bowl LII.


Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker Ryan Shazier suffering a tragic spinal injury on national television.


Maryland state Del. Terri Hill drafting a bill to ban tackle football for children under the age of 14.


I get you.


In fact, I was you.


But that was because I was allowing the thoughts and opinions of others to influence what was ultimately my parenting decision.


What the media doesn't tell you is that almost no sport is free of concussion hazard. Lacrosse, ice hockey, wrestling, and soccer are risky as well.


They don't tell you that most youth football organizations, as well as high school programs, practice Heads Up Football. Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools, the 10th largest school district in the country, has reported a 43.3% decline in concussions since employing the technique back in 2013.


They don't tell you about the health benefits youth football provides, both mental and physical.


They don't tell you about the life lessons it teaches; discipline, work ethic, respect, teamwork, just to name a few.


They don't tell you about the lifelong memories and friends that your child will make.


They don't tell you about the lifelong memories and friends that you will make.


They only tell you a fraction of the story. I wanted to share another fraction. The fraction that seems to get lost these days.


I also want to remind you that as with all parenting decisions, the final decision is yours. Only you know what is best for your child.


And football may, or may not, be it.


And that is ok.




Love,


A Former on the Fence Mama

*** Click HERE to read my "What I've Gained and Learned From Being a Football Mom" post that was featured on the NFL Touchdown Moms Facebook Page!

10 Signs You're Probably a Football Mom

We're a special bunch. I mean, let's face it. It definitely takes a special type of mama to let her child play tackle football.


Here are ten telltale signs that you're probably a football mom...

1. You take your Summer vacations BEFORE the start of the season. Beach trip in August? Where they do that at!? August is for tackling, not building sand castles!
2. Your team colors are the new black! You are constantly browsing store aisle after store aisle for anything and EVERYTHING in them; nail polish, hats, bracelets, sweatshirts. You name it, you've got it. In fact, you have an entire dresser drawer dedicated entirely to football season!
3. You don't eat dinner before 8pm. You're at the football field for two hours every evening. Even if you could eat dinner before practice, why would you? Your player is going to be STARVING afterwards. Why make extra work for yourself?
4. You make your grocery list with your child's teammates in mind. As a matter of fact, you ditched the grocery store all together! You go to Costco to buy all of your fruit and snacks in bulk. How else will you be able to feed the entire small army team?
5. You can slice 10 large, navel oranges in no time. Heck, you can probably slice them with your eyes closed. Just kidding about the eyes closed part. Please don't attempt that!
6. Your car smells like a portable locker room. Shoulder pads + helmets  + gloves + super sweaty kids ... need I say more?
7. You have no free Saturdays from August until November. And you're all good with that. There's not a place you'd rather be than on the bleachers cheering for your kid and their team!
8. Your kitchen cupboard is filled with more water bottles than cups. And you're not ashamed to drink out of them yourself. It's 5pm somewhere, right?
9. You have no voice on Sundays. You were cheering and yelling "HIT HIM!" at the very top of your lungs the day prior. No shame in your game. If you're not their number one fan, who else will be?!
10. You're thirty-something and can still fit into a size youth large. Not really. Not at all actually. But you do your BEST to squeeze into their extra practice jersey on game days. Work it, girl!

Good luck this season, mamas!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Football Player Essentials

We're almost halfway through July, which can only mean one thing... FOOTBALL IS COMING!!! Whether you're brand new to tackle football or your off season was so long that you need a refresher course, this post is for you!

Here is a list of what Coach Hubby and I are always sure that our boys have prior to the season kicking off:

• Equipment. Helmet, shoulder pads, pants (ours come with the built-in pads). Most clubs will provide these for you. This is the stuff that makes tackle, tackle.
• Chin strap. Your team will most likely provide this for you as well. No. 1 ended up purchasing this one with his own money this year, and has remarked about how comfortable it is.
• Padded compression shirt. My boys aren't very big. So, I'll take all the added protection I can get! These shirts have extra pads (shoulders, ribs, back) and are worn underneath their jerseys.
• Compression pants or shorts. My boys use these in place of underwear. They are more comfortable and help to keep them cool and dry.
• Cleats. They come in a variety of styles and colors, including low, mid, and high tops.  No. 1 prefers high tops while No. 2 prefers mid-rise. It's all a matter of personal preference.
• Mouth guard. This is a must! Your player won't even be allowed to play without one. In fact, they can cause their team a penalty if they don't have it in their mouth during the game! I would suggest keeping a back up at all times in case they lose it- or chew it to shreds. (Don't ask, just believe me! I've seen all kinds of things over the last 5 seasons). If your player has braces, be sure to get them one specifically designed for orthodontic work!
• Water bottle. While some coaches will bring water for the team, not all will. I like to be prepared- just in case. During the warmer months, I'll freeze their bottles overnight so that they will be nice and cool on the field.

I've also included a few optional items. They are by no means necessary, but my boys (and many of their teammates!) like to have them:

• Visor. Wear it for looks, wear it for keeping opponents fingers out of your eyes. Our league only allows for clear ones. Be sure to check with yours prior to purchasing a tinted one.
• Gloves. No. 1 plays quarterback so he chooses to wear only one on his non-throwing hand. No. 2 wears his whenever he remembers. Ha!
• Back plate. Another added layer of protection. They are designed to help protect their backs, especially for those players running the ball.

Writing this post definitely made me that much more excited for the upcoming season! I'm looking forward to being back in my happy place.


Did I miss anything? Feel free to share your football player's essentials in the comments below!

CHAMPIONS!!!

"We are the champions, my friends. And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end."


WE DID IT! We avenged our one and ONLY loss of the season to become the 90lb Central CHAMPIONS! We beat the opposing team 20-6! Lots and lots of happy tears were left on the field that evening; from us parents, the coaches, and even our players. I am still smiling from ear to ear.


Here are a few of my favorite shots from our championship victory:

This is a season and team that I will never, ever forget.


Until next season. GO ADMIRALS!!!


*** Click HERE to see how we celebrated such an amazing season!

Football Mama Survival Tips

There's no turning back now...football season is upon us! In less than two weeks, I will be spending five days a week, two hours a day on the football field. Well, not literally. I'll be spending five days a week, two hours a day in my favorite chair on the sideline.


Here are my most helpful tips for surviving the season:

• Find a comfy chair. You're going to be doing a WHOLE lotta sitting. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt. You can find all types of chairs these days; chairs with canopies, chairs that recline, chairs with cup holders. It's totally up to you. Just be sure to get one. Your back (and butt!) will thank you later.
• Dust off your crockpot. If you're like me, it's been collecting dust all summer long. I tend to get the most use out of mine in the colder months...mmm, chili! But, trust me, your crockpot will become your bestest friend during football season. Prep your dinner the night before and drop it in the morning of. You'll come home to a heavenly aroma AND dinner that is ready to be served! #WINNING
• Find a football mama bestie. Let's face it, there will be days that you will be unable to get your child to and/or from practices or games. What better than having a backup plan aka mama. Just be sure that you are willing to return the favor!
• Stock up on Febreze. NOW! Once equipment is distributed, everything will smell. Everything! Your car, your house, your kid. Not everything can be thrown in the washer...but (almost) everything can be sprayed down!
• Get a planner. Paper, electronic...whatever your little heart desires. Especially if you have more than one child. You're going to need it. Unless you can magically store all the practice, scrimmage, and game dates/times/locations in your brain. Yeah...I didn't think so.
• Pack a practice/game "just in case" bag. Snacks just in case younger siblings (or yourself) get hungry. A book or magazine just in case you get bored. Sunblock and sunglasses just in case it's sunny out. An umbrella just in case it rains. Handwarmers just in case it's freezing. Now, obviously you do not need to pack all of these at the same time, but you get the point. Better to be overly prepared, than under prepared.
• Enjoy every moment. Football season can be draining, but before you know it your little quarterback won't be so little anymore. They'll be catching the bus with their teammates to their high school games. They'll be able to drive themselves to and from practices. So, take it all in mama. Take hundreds of pictures, share them to Facebook, wear their team colors, ring your cowbell loud and proud, cheer at the top of your lungs. This won't last forever!

Good luck this season!




Did I miss anything? I'd love for you to share YOUR tips in the comment section below!




*** Click HERE to read my Basketball Mama Survival Tips and HERE to read my Soccer Mama Survival Tips***

Football End of Season Party Ideas

After three long months of hard work and an amazing Championship game run season, our boys deserved to go out with a bang!


I went with a laser tag party, which included two games of laser tag (even the coaches could play!) and pizza  because what kid doesn't like pizza (ok, my oldest child doesn't, but his twelve teammates do!)? Best of all, the players' parents didn't have to come out of their pockets, whatsoever. Did I cover it myself you ask? Not at all. The entire expense was covered by our Touchdown Jar . Our grand total came to $391.46!

We were blessed to have such a great group of football moms and dads this season! They were always willing to help, both on the field and off. So, it was no surprise when one of the moms offered to supply the cake. How awesome is she? And this cake??

As previously mentioned, our team made it to the Championship and as a result our club paid for their trophies! I ordered them from Trophy Depot. Aren't they lovely?

I was able to have a custom t-shirt made for every player on our team (and Coach Hubby!) with the remaining money from the touchdown jar! They had our team picture on the front, and last name and jersey number on the back. The boys were thrilled!

Can't forget about the coaches, right? I ordered each one a personalized football! This was not covered by the touchdown jar. They were covered by donations from the parents. I simply sent out an email asking for contributions from those who were able to help- no amount specified. I found them on Etsy.com. Sorry about the poor picture quality, I forgot to take a close up photo with my real camera.

Remember how amazing I said our group of parents were? Well, they truly out did themselves this season. They surprised me with a  football trophy bank, a HUGE cowbell, and a gift card for a food prep service!

Until next season!

***Click HERE to read some newer ideas and HERE to read my end of season CHAMPIONSHIP party ideas!!!