FIVE March Madness Snack Ideas!

If anyone is looking for Coach Hubby between now and April the 2nd, don't worry, he isn't missing! He's sitting (sometimes jumping up and down!) on our couch, in front of the TV watching March Madness. I'm sure many of you Sports Mamas can relate, am I right?!


Today I'm sharing FIVE easy, basketball themed snack ideas (with links to the instructions) to make your March Madness a little sweeter!

1. Basketball Cupcakes

2. Basketball Brownies

3. Basketball Fruit & Donut Kabobs

4. Basketball Cuties

5. Basketball Sports Drinks

Who are you picking to go all the way?


Our family is going with UVA. Go 'Hoos!

Weekend Snapshots: Goodbye Winter Basketball, Hello Spring Sports!

Winter basketball came to an end for both No. 2 and No. 3 this past weekend. No. 1's season ended a couple of weeks ago. 


No. 3's basketball team ended with a big 32-19 win and a final overall record of 7-4! This was the first year that the games actually counted. Way to go, Swish!

He scored his fair share of buckets, had a couple of steals, and really seemed to enjoy the season and all of his teammates.


No. 2's basketball team was in the Championship on Saturday! They went 7-2 on the season, winning both of their playoff games to get there!


We finished as the second seed and played the first place team who had only lost one game all season long... to us! Even though we had previously beaten them, we knew it wasn't going to be a cake walk. They without a doubt have one of the best players in the entire league.

We got off to a quick, large lead and held it all the way up until the third quarter. The other team ended up cutting it to just four points and had everyone on the edge of their seats.


But luckily, our boys kept cool, kept playing hard and WE WON!!!

We celebrated with post-game pizza and awards.

And you know I couldn't let a Championship game go by without making cupcakes!

I used liners and sprinkles in our team colors to make them look a little more festive.


And the boys weren't the only ones who received goodies. No. 2's coach gave each player a single, red rose to give to their mamas!

SO sweet! Such a fun ending to a great season. Way to go, No. 2 and Team Fire!


What's next for this Sports Mama and her athletes? No. 1 is playing AAU basketball, playing on his high school's rising Freshman team, and also weight training three days a week for Freshman (I still can't believe I'm typing that!) football. No. 2 will be playing soccer and No. 3 will be playing flag football. I can't wait!


Have a great week, Mamas!

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 Tip: Top FIVE Essentials For ALL Sports Moms

What do football mamas, soccer mamas, swim mamas, and cheer mamas all have in common?


That's easy! The fact that we LOVE our young athletes and that we spend A TON of time watching them do what they love!


Here are my FIVE Sports Mama must-haves, regardless of the sport your child plays:

1. Smart phone. I use my smart phone to email coaches, text my fellow sports mamas, get driving directions, access our team roster, take photos,  and to take videos. Seriously. What can't you do with a smart phone?
2. Planner. An electronic or a good ol' fashioned paper one will do. All that matters is that it is easily portable. Your athlete is going to have practices and games, usually at different times and different places. Somebody has to know what's going on!
3. Portable seating. Nothing is more uncomfortable than soaking wet (or too hot or too cold) bleachers! Folding chairs and stadium seats are your BFF. You can find folding chairs in all different colors, with cup holders, canopies, and even heated stadium seats!
4. Sports mama bag. Your athlete has their bag, but you need one too! What I carry in mine typically depends on the sport as well as the weather. A few things that I never leave home without are hand sanitizer, water, my mini-first aid kit, and snacks for siblings (because they will be hungry- even if you did just leave home 15 minutes ago!).
5. Sports Mama BFF. This is a must! There will be days that you simply can't get your athlete to the field or court on time. Finding a fellow mama who can help you out of this bind will make your life so much less stressful. Not to mention how nice it is to just sit back, chat and spend time with somebody who gets you.

Honorable mentions:

• DSLR camera (to get those Instagram worthy actions shots)
• Sunglasses (to keep the sun out of your eyes and or hide the fact that waking up early isn't your forte!)
• Folding sports wagon (to carry ALL the things)
• Cooler (to keep your athlete's drink cold- bonus points for packing extras, in case they or a teammate run out!)

I hope you found this list helpful! Do you have an essential that wasn't mentioned above? Please feel free to share it with us in the comment section.


Happy Sports Mama-ing!

One on One with Mateo Jackson; Youth Athlete Turned College Recruit

Mateo Jackson is one of Richmond, Virginia's top defensive players. At 6'2, 220lbs, with a GPA of 3.5, he was one of the area's top recruits.


His senior year he recorded 98 tackles, 9 tackles for losses, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 12 pass break ups, 5 interceptions, and 1 pick six. He was named 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Metro, All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Region, Class 5 Region B Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-804, All-804 Most Valuable Player, and All-804 Defensive Player of the Year.

He had several offers including Villanova, Navy, Cincinnati as well as Dartmouth, Ivy League member.


And he, like so many others, began as a youth athlete with big dreams.

I had the privilege of interviewing Mateo just days after National Signing Day, and his commitment to James Madison University.

How old were you when you began playing football?


Jackson: Seven


What position did you start out playing?


Jackson: Quarterback and linebacker


What position do you play now?


Jackson: Middle linebacker


What do you enjoy most about playing football?


Jackson: Just being able to go out and have fun every time I play. You build friendships and bonds with a lot of your teammates.


What is your least favorite part?


Jackson: Probably two-a-days because it's usually really hot and they're early in the morning.


What is the best piece of advice a coach has ever given you?


Jackson: Patience and hard work. Those might sound a little cliché, but those two are probably what got me to the point where I'm at today.


What advice would you give to those young athletes hoping to follow in your footsteps one day?


Jackson: I would just say again to work as hard as possible, both in the classroom and on the field. And to surround yourself with people that have the same goals and aspirations as you do.


Where do you see yourself five years from now?


Jackson: Graduating and earning my degree in whatever I pursue. Possibly preparing myself for the next level or putting my degree to use in the work field.




Mamas, I hope you share this interview with your young athletes, regardless of the sport they play.


Let them know that they too, can be like Mateo! While I obviously can't promise that they'll end up playing at the next level like him, I can promise this. They can have patience like him, they can work hard like him, they can surround themselves with people who have the same goals and aspirations like him.


Good luck at JMU, Mateo! This Sports Mama will definitely be rooting for you.


GO DUKES!

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.***

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!