Sports Mama Tip: 10 Ways to Volunteer as a High School Football Mom

Just because your football player has moved on from youth to high school ball doesn't mean your days of volunteering have to be over. Here are TEN ways that you can help out as a high school football mom:

1. Booster Club. Booster Clubs support and raise funds for the entire program. They are 100% volunteer ran, so parent participation is crucial to their success!
2. Fundraisers. They are vital to high school programs! Funds raised go towards purchasing quality equipment, uniforms, camps and training sessions, as well as other important areas. (Click HERE for my list of top 10 fundraising ideas!).
3. Pre-game meals. Most high schools feed their teams on game day. Feeding a football team aka small army is no easy task! (Click HERE for my tips for feeding a large team!) Volunteer a few hours of your time to help set up and serve the players.
4. Ticket Taker/Sales. Just what it sounds like. You work the ticket booth, usually for the game before or after your player's.
5. Chain Crew. The best seat spot in the house! You literally get to be on the field. It doesn't get much better than that!
6. Concessions. Help sell those famous game day burgers and hot dogs! (Click HERE for my tips on running a successful concession stand + a list of the top ten best sellers!).
7. Sell spirit wear. Who doesn't want to rock their school colors?! Sign up to work the spirit wear table!
8. Team Videographer. At the high school level, film study is a must! One of the biggest ways you can help your team (and coach!) is by filming the games. For the best view, be sure to sit in the press box, or as high up on the bleachers as you can go!
9. Team Photographer. Have a passion for photography? Put it to use by taking game photos and sharing them with the team. You will even be allowed down on the sidelines!
10. Parent Liaison aka Team Mom. Yep, they even have them in high school, Mamas! I'm the Freshman Team Mom this year. Woot woot! My main responsibility is to act as the point of contact between our parents and Coaches. (Click HERE for tips on being a great Team Mom!).

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."- Elizabeth Andrew

7 Things I've Learned In My First Two Weeks As A High School Football Mom

I've been a high school football mama for about two and a half weeks now. Although we haven't even played our first game yet, I've learned a lot, and thought I'd share it with you all.

1. If you're not 15 minutes early, you're late. Practice may be scheduled to start at 3pm, but if you're not on that field, with your helmet and pads on by 2:45pm, you're late. And coach will call you out on it!
2. They will be tired. The only time No. 1 has napped since he was a toddler, is when he had the flu last Winter. I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed him fall asleep, with the lights on!
3. They will eat you out of house and home. A gallon of milk ain't got nothing on my boy! His typical post-practice meal consists of two bowls of cereal, two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a protein shake. Oh, and then he eats dinner...
4. They will stink. High school sweat is in a league all of it's own! (Click HERE for my tips on cleaning equipment.)
5. They wash their own uniforms. Yes mama, you read right! I learned this at our parent meeting last week. Game uniforms do not come home, so they will take turns washing them after each game. That's one less funky thing for them to bring into your house! #WINNING
6. It takes a village. Before school starts, they practice six days a week, almost always during the work day. Unless your child lives within walking distance or you work from home, you will definitely need to get with your fellow football mamas asap to set up a carpool. I don't know what I'd do without my tribe!
7. Coaches still need our help. When I dropped No. 1 off for picture day, I happened to bump into one of his coaches and decided to ask him if they could use any help. His response, "Yes, please! We can always use help!". Even the head varsity coach echoed what he said. From passing out jerseys, to serving pre-game meals, to filming games, to taking tickets, to fundraising...they still need AND WANT us, mamas! (Click HERE for 10 ways you can volunteer to help!).

While high school football is definitely a big change from youth, I'm excited (and a bit nervous, I won't even lie!) for the season to begin.


Wishing you all a happy and healthy football season.


GO TEAM!!!




*** Click HERE to read 7 things I learned in my first season as a high school basketball mama!

Sports Mama Review: Zipzicle Ice Pop Molds

Yep! I'm that mama who shows up to the field with treats for no real reason at all.


It's Thursday, I think I'll bake the team some brownies.


Didn't give up a single touchdown at yesterday's game? Let's celebrate with some donuts!


90+ degrees at practice? How about some ice pops!

I was recently given the opportunity to try Zipzicles. Zipzicles are DIY zip-top ice pop pouches that allow you to make your very own popsicles. Each pouch holds approximately 3 fluid ounces when filled to the recommended fill line. They are BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free.

Zipzicles can be filled with just about anything and everything you can imagine; fresh fruit purees, yogurt, even cocktails (umm, yes please!). I decided to fill them with some of our favorite sports drinks!

Filling the tubes was pretty easy. Once filled and sealed, it is recommended that you place the pops upright in the freezer. Unfortunately, this wasn't stated on the packaging and I laid them flat before sticking them in the freezer, causing them to leak.

Once I figured out the cause, I placed them upright in the freezer and kept them there until right before practice. Coach Hubby and I then transferred the Zipzicles into a large cooler, layering them with ice (ice, pops, ice, pops, ice).

The team (and coaches!) devoured them!

They made the perfect cool, post-practice treat on a sweltering hot day. Even the Varsity players wanted some. Ha!


Aside from the leaking mishap, I really enjoyed this product. I love the fact that you are in full control; you control the quality of ingredients, the flavors, the sugar content. They are easy to fill, transport, and open.


Zipzicles can be purchased directly through their website, on Amazon, and at Bed Bath & Beyond.


Fill. Freeze. Fun!








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

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.

Sports Mama Tip: 10 Ways to Keep Siblings Entertained on the Sidelines

"I'm bored!"


"Can we go home now?"


"How much longer until the game is over?"


If you're a mom of multiples, you know just how tough it can be to keep siblings entertained on the sidelines. The struggle is REAL, y'all!


Here are 10 ways to help them stay entertained so you can focus on the action:

1. SNACKS! This may just be my best tip. Throw some of their favorites in your Sports Mama Bag, and they're guaranteed to stay quiet for a while... at least while they're chewing!
2. Books. Bring along a few from their favorite series and let them plop down right next to you and read.
3. Homework. It has to be done, right? Have them bring their backpacks to the field or court and get to work. It'll be one less thing for you all to worry about when you get home!
4. Electronics. A Sports Mamas gotta do what a Sports Mamas gotta do! Let them entertain themselves on a tablet or smart phone. You could even download a book or two for them on your Kindle.
5. Other siblings. Get to know your fellow sports families. Let the kids play together. Some of their best friends (as well as yours!) will be made on the sidelines.
6. Bring a ball (or the equivalent in your sport). For example, if you are at a football field, bring a football. At a basketball court, bring an extra basketball. You can usually always find a little pocket of extra space for them to use.
7. Exercise. At a field? Let them walk/run laps around it. Kids are competitive. Tell them you'll time them and they're sure to want to do it!
8. Game day arts and crafts. Let them help you make banners, decorate cowbells, make spirit finger gloves. Kids love to feel involved!
9. Film. Does your team film games? Siblings can be great at this! Coach Hubby pays our boys $5 a game to film. A little bribery never hurt anybody. Am I right?! Just be sure to teach them the ins and outs (i.e. how to zoom, when to pause, etc.) first. I also recommend getting them a tripod.
10. Run the TD Jar! Little siblings are THE best at running the touchdown jar. Seriously. Who can say no to their cute little faces?! (Not a football mama? No worries. You can easily alter it to fit your sport!).

I hope you found these tips helpful! Feel free to share your tips below or in our Facebook Group!

Team Mama Idea: DIY Basketball Gift Bags for Coaches

Sunday was the last game of the season for No. 1 and his AAU team. SO bittersweet! In their first year together, the team finished 30-15, winning 3 tournament Championships, and making it to several more. I couldn't be prouder of each boy on the team as well as their amazing coaches!


I volunteered to coordinate coaches gifts, which we presented to them at our team dinner last Friday. They have been so dedicated, positive, and supportive all season long. Not one of the coaches had a child on the team. In fact, two of the coaches have children in college, and the other coach just finished his senior year in high school!


I began by sending out an email asking for donations to all of the parents on the team. As always, I didn't specify a specific amount. I've found that leaving the amount up to them works best.


I ordered each coach a personalized mini basketball from this Etsy shop.

All of the players signed them, making the balls even more special! I used the leftover money to purchase gift cards.


I couldn't find any gift bags that fit the occasion, so I made my own. A quick trip to my local craft store, and I had everything I needed!

Large sized gift bags, tissue paper, and ribbon... in basketball print and our team colors, of course!

I found the basketball image on Pinterest and simply printed them out.

I then glued one cutout on each bag and wrote the coaches names underneath.

And this was the final result. I love how they came out. And so did the coaches!

Until next season.


GO CAVS!!!






*** Check out this awesome "gift bag" idea shared by Sports Mama, Cristal E. via our Facebook Group. Be sure to join today for more great #sportsmom ideas and tips!

Guest Post: Tough Days Bruise, But People Survive

I know the name of this blog is Confessions of a Sports Mama, BUT this post from NFL Super Bowl XXVI winning linebacker turned #sportsdad Andre Collins, spoke to my heart. Collins currently serves as Executive Director, Professional Athletes Foundation for the National Football League Players Association, where he works to ensure retirees make successful post-football transitions. When he's not in the office, he can be seen (and heard!) cheering his children on, alongside his beautiful wife, Ericka.

What a joy, when my son Chet plays a great game! Ah, that’s my boy!! Then again, there’s probably nothing worse in all of sports than watching my son pitch a tough inning or miss a few easy layups on the basketball court. I know, without a doubt, the sports gods can be cruel. Even with practice and preparation, somehow the ‘sporting god of adversity and humility’ finds his way to the action.


As a parent, nothing pains me more than seeing my kids struggle. It hurts to watch those humbling moments that competing in sports can create. Watching those life lessons unfold right before my eyes is all too familiar because I’ve had my shot blocked, struck out and fumbled the ball many times. I know how that feels. I know how that stuck in my head. I know that embarrassment. Therefore, I know my son’s pain. I want to hug him, demand a do-over or take on some of those other kids myself.


But let me stop. What in the world is driving my need to make his experience perfect? Why should I care so much if he fails?


I tried. I failed. I lived. I know those tough days made me better. Tough days bruise, but people survive. I had to stop myself from managing every second of Chet’s sports life. Which meant I categorically needed to shut up.


I stopped giving tips and advice right before and right after games. I think about my own loving father, who didn’t come to every game like parents do today. That wasn’t a thing back then in the 70’s. When I had a bad game, I walked that mile home alone, no parents, with my friends laughing a little about other stuff. I knew I didn’t play great but I worked those feelings out in my head without my father’s consoling. I survived and somewhere in that process I developed a resiliency and spirit to get better, to do better and to try again.


I have knowledge about competing and preparation. I’ll find appropriate times to share good advice with him.


For now, I give him his space to process. I realize he needs the space to breathe and mourn a poor performance and to feel good about himself when he plays well. He must develop his own coping skills. He’s a boy becoming a man through the competition of sport.


I’m still learning new things about fatherhood and glad I could realize this is my son’s chance to grow.


Action Creates Opportunity. Let your ability to pull back, listen and be still create an opportunity for your kids to experience life and become the people they were meant to be.




You don't have to know Collins personally to understand the love that he has for his family. The love that he has for sports. The joy that watching his children play brings him.


But if you do, as I do, consider yourself lucky. In a world full of amazing Sports Mamas, he is truly one amazing #sportsdad!