Moving on to Bigger and Better Things!

Hey there, my favorite Sports Mamas! I need to share some bittersweet news with you. Like the saying goes, all good things must come to an end...

And so, it's time. After 9 years, this blog has come to an end.

I have shared countless numbers of team mom ideas, sports mom tips, reviews, as well a look into my life and the life of my 3 athletes. I have been featured on our local news, USA Football, as well as caught the attention of NFL team owners! Now while all that sounds impressive, what I've enjoyed most is connecting with all of you. YOU are my people! The comments, emails, and amazing Facebook group community (77.9K+ members!) has made it all worth it.

So why am I throwing in the towel? Because it's time for bigger and better things! I'm so proud to announce that I am leaving Blogger for my very own domain!!! Our very own website is finally here!

Yes, you read right. Confessionsofasportsmama.com is where you can now find me!

Scan the QR code above to be taken directly there! Snap a quick screenshot and share it with your favorite sports mamas.

Don't worry, all of my previous tips, tricks, and ideas have moved over with me. There you will also find many new features, including my Amazon storefront. Your one-stop-shop to find everything you need to succeed at that #SPORTSMAMALIFE; game day essentials (for athletes AND moms), team spirit items, as well as gift ideas. We will also have a classifieds section up and running soon, which will allow you to advertise your small business. All in all, it's a win-win situation. I'll still share the same types of posts, but I'll have more creative freedom to bring you even more content.

I hope to see you there!!!

XO,

Vanessa

I Will Miss Those Friday Night Lights...

High School football has come and gone for No. 1. I honestly can't believe it. I still remember his first youth game; he scored two touchdowns, one of which sent us into overtime. His first game on the Freshman team; he played quarterback, safety, and was the punter AND field goal kicker (we won 20-0!). And of course his first Varsity start, he threw for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns...in 30 something degree weather!

It's so very bittersweet.  

I will miss driving him and his teammates to and from practice; hearing them talk and laugh about what happened, rolling down all the windows trying not pass out from the smell of their pads.

I will miss waking up while it's still dark outside to take them breakfast to eat after 6am walk-thrus. The looks on peoples faces when they walk past me and the 75 bananas in my grocery cart. True story! I struggle to wake up for work, but somehow could always pull myself out of bed for the team. Hearing them whisper "we have the best team moms EVER" definitely helped!

I will miss feeding the team and coaches their pre-game meals. Man, can those boys put away some food! Them coming together to say "Thank you, Moms!" when finished. Luckily, I always recorded it so I can look back and reminisce whenever I feel like it.

I will miss spending time with my favorite football mama BFF's. Selling spirit wear together, our trips to Costco, our craft nights, coordinating our game day outfits. Cheering, laughing, and crying in those stands together. Loving each other's boys the way we love our own.

I will miss those Friday nights, under the lights. The band, the cheerleaders, the colored smoke as the boys run out of the big helmet. The student section chants, hearing Sweet Caroline being played on the loud speaker, and ringing my cowbell of course.

I read a quote online and I couldn't agree more; "Football is not a lifetime sport... but high school football IS a once in a lifetime experience".

Youth sports; The days are long, but the years are short. WAY TOO SHORT. 

Enjoy every moment, Mama. You'll be touring colleges before you know it.

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!

15 Things Sports Moms Say- Part II

Last year I wrote a fun post entitled 15 Things Sports Moms Say. I thought it was about time for a part two, SO I enlisted the help of the awesome Sports Mamas in our Facebook Group!


Ready? Here we go!

1. We need instant replay. These referees are missing everything! - Tania C.
2. You're not getting in my car like that! - Kristy O.
3. Work on your homework now, please. You won't have time when you get home from practice. - Kelly V.
4. Quit chasing the butterflies!! - Erica H.
5. I drove all the way here for this?! - Kristy O.
6. OMG. Put your shoes back on! - Debra P.
7. Which dad decided on white pants? - Laura L.
8. Leave those cleats outside! - Alisa K.
9. Did you hear me yelling? - Debbie J.
10. Suck it up buttercup! - Amy R.
11. Put your cleats on or we'll be late.- Kim M.
12. Please don't get hurt, I don't have time to go to the ER today!- Trisha E.
13. You may not be the biggest or fastest, but you can definitely play the smartest! - Erica S.
14. Shake it off! - LaTarah C.
15. I LOVE WATCHING YOU PLAY! - Lisa M.

Ain't no mama like a Sports Mama... am I right?!?


What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comment section below or join myself and hundreds of other real sports moms just like yourself online!

2018 Recap + My 2019 Sports Mama Resolution!

Happy 2019, Sports Mamas! We made it. Our 2018 was filled with lots of health, happiness, and of course, SPORTS!


No. 1's AAU basketball team went 30-15, winning 3 championships in their very first season together. He was the starting quarterback and kicker for his Freshman football team (they went 5-3, the best record in years!!) and was awarded the 2018 Coaches Award! He is currently playing Freshman basketball and is the starting point guard!

No. 2 decided to take a year off from football and played Spring and Fall soccer. He was named an All-Star and invited to play in the All-Star Tournament! He also played basketball and his team won the championship!

No. 3 played soccer (his team also won the championship!), basketball, and held his own in flag football despite being the youngest and smallest on the team. He even scored a touchdown and caught a pass for an extra point!

I'm SO proud of them!


My 2019 Sports Mama resolution is to help my boys be the best athletes they can be.


Like 2018, I want to continue to be present, to be positive, to be supportive, to be understanding, and most importantly, to be their mom. I want to be at each and every game (when possible!), cheer loudly, cheer proudly, continue to volunteer, and to do more listening and less talking.


Youth sports; the days are long, but the years are short.


What is your 2019 Sports Mama resolution? Let me know in the comment section below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!

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!

Team Mama Idea: 10 Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work!

Fundraising and youth sports go together like peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies, Bert and Ernie. With most leagues being 100% volunteer ran, they rely heavily on fundraising to help cover costs such as uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, and end of season parties.


While fundraising may not make the list of your top ten favorite things to do, there is simply no getting around it. So today I'm sharing TEN fundraiser ideas with you that are tried, tested, and not too stressful (i.e. no knocking on your neighbors doors!).


Ready? Here we go!

1. 50/50 Raffle- This is one of the easiest, less time consuming, yet most popular ones. All you need are raffle tickets and two containers (one to hold the tickets and the other to collect the money in). These raffles are perfect for game day! Players, families, and other spectators buy one (or more!) ticket(s). They keep one half and you stick the other half in the container . At the end of the event someone picks a random ticket out of the container. The person with the matching raffle ticket wins half of the money collected and the league keeps the other half. That's it!
2. Car Wash- "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That old saying holds true to this one. Begin by finding a place to hold it (usually a local gas station or school). Make signs, spread the word, gather up your team and supplies including a bucket for the money, and get to washing! I've found that car washes work best when they are done on a donation basis, in other words there is no set fee. People can give what they'd like.
3. Bake Sale- It's exactly what it sounds like. (Seriously, who doesn't like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes?!) Choose a date (game days are perfect!), spread the word, round up volunteers to help bake, set up, and sell those goodies!
4. Touchdown Jar- This is by far one of my favorite ways to raise money! So much so, that I've written an entire blog post on it. Click HERE to learn all about it. I know it says touchdown jar, but you could totally tailor it to fit your sport (think Goal Jar for soccer, 3-Point Jar for basketball, Home Run Jar for baseball- you get the gist). Why am I so passionate about this one? Easy. Because it works, that's why!
5. Team Picture Day- Work with a local photography company that specializes in youth sports photos. Be sure that the company has a built-in fundraiser feature- you can usually add an additional $1-$5 to the price of each picture package, all which will come back to the club. Be sure that your coaches know that it is not only picture day, but a fundraiser as well!
6. Spirit Wear Sale- What Sports Mama doesn't jump at the opportunity to rock her athlete's team colors?? Very similar to the team picture day idea, spirit wear companies also have the built-in fundraiser feature. Before starting, be sure to have an idea of what items will sell best (i.e. do people really want to spend their money on stadium blankets in the middle of the Summer?).
7. Concession Stand- Another oldie, but goodie. People just can't resist the smell of hot dogs cooking on the grill... or a warm cup of hot chocolate when it's 30 degrees out!  Buy your items in bulk and set up shop at home games. Be sure to keep your prices reasonable, especially when there are stores selling the same items within a short distance. Remember, you want people to buy from YOU, not them! (Click HERE for tips on running a successful concession stand as well as a list of the ten best sellers!).
8. Restaurant Nights- These are always well attended. Just be sure to do your research beforehand. Some restaurants will give you 50% of ALL sales made during the agreed upon fundraiser hours, while others give a much smaller percentage and require that each customer make them aware that they are there for the fundraiser to receive the money. Trust me. I've learned the hard way before! Location and timing are everything- schedule it for a day that practices are held and choose a restaurant that is as close to your practice facility as possible. This is KEY!
9. No Frills Fundraiser- This is one our previous football club did, and as a Board member, I can promise you that it really works! You simply come up with a generic letter that introduces the club, your mission and asks for monetary donations. You then distribute the letters to each athlete, have the athlete personally address each one to the friends/family members of their choice, mail them out, and wait for the donations to pour in. It's that simple!
10. Donations- Just like the no frills fundraiser, but without the paperwork. Spend a couple of hours standing alongside your athlete(s) outside of a local grocery store, having them in uniform will help them to stand out amongst the crowd. Let people know who you all are and what exactly you're raising money for. Take a bucket (or helmet if it's football season!) with you to collect the donations in. People like to help the youth and their communities, that's a given!

I hope these ideas help you to have your most successful season yet!


Happy fundraising!




Have an idea that wasn't mentioned above? Please share it with us in the comment section below or in our private, members only Facebook Group!

*** Click HERE for 5 COVID safe fundraising ideas!

Sports Mama Review: BodyArmor Sports Drinks

What's the one thing that each and every athlete has with them regardless of the sport they're playing? If you guessed something to drink, you'd be correct!


Hydration is crucial for our young athletes. If they're not hydrated, their body cannot perform at it's fullest potential. Symptoms of dehydration include muscle cramps, feeling tired, and even lightheadedness.


While water is usually all that is needed, sports drinks can be beneficial as well, especially when our athletes are engaging in lengthy vigorous activity. They help to replace the electrolytes lost by sweating.


But not all sports drinks are created equal. Many are high in sugar, sodium, and calories; some even contain caffeine!


Like all Sports Mamas, I want the absolute best for my young athletes. And when it comes to sports drinks, BodyArmor is my drink of choice.

BodyArmor contains potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, vitamins, and absolutely no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Besides providing superior hydration, it also tastes great! There are 11 delicious flavors to choose from including my boys' favorites, orange mango and strawberry banana. According to No. 1 "it tastes more like juice than a sports drink" and No. 3 even said "I love it! It tastes like fruit."

They also have a low calorie option. BodyArmor Lyte is naturally flavored and sweetened, only 20 calories per serving, and still combines electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins for maximum hydration. I love the fact that even though it's low in calories, it isn't low on flavor.


Rounding out BodyArmor's lineup, is their new SportWater. It's purified water with electrolytes. That's it. No calories, no sodium, no funny taste.

With three different hydrating products to choose from, you will have no problem finding the right BodyArmor drink for your athlete (or yourself!).


Stay hydrated, mamas!












*** Disclaimer: BodyArmor was kind enough to send me their products, however, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.***

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.

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!

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: How To Slice Oranges Like a Pro!

Oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C as well as other key vitamins and nutrients. It's no wonder that they are the number one choice of halftime fruit in youth sports!

I wanted to share a few quick tips for making your next run at halftime fruit mama, a piece of cake.


First, the type of oranges. I always use navel oranges. They're large, seedless, easy to peel, and have the perfect balance of both sweet and tart.

I like to cut my oranges into slices, as opposed to wedges or segments. I find that they are easier, quicker, and less messy for the kids to eat this way.


Here's how I do it:


Begin by slicing both ends off of your washed oranges.

Then slice it once down the middle, lengthwise.

You should now have two equal parts. Proceed by cutting each half into slices (lengthwise again).

I can usually get about ten slices out of each orange.

Tada! Easy peasy!


(Side note: I always cut them up the night before so that they will be nice and chilled for the team. Don't forget to bring a plastic bag for the peels!)

Be sure to check back frequently for more sports mama tips!