Football is the beautiful game and mums make it even more so. You find them coaching teams, fund-raising, leading training sessions and organising fixtures throughout the season, not to mention the dirtier work (literally — dealing with post-match kit).
You reveal what makes a Football Mum
At our #FootballMumoftheYear Twitter Conversation you shared your Football Mum stories, including things you do every week and those that are that bit more extraordinary. Football Mum of the Year Ambassador Coleen Rooney even joined us to answer your questions.
Sponsored by McDonald’s UK, this conversation celebrates the Football Mum of the Year Award, in partnership with the Football Association. The Award commends all the selfless things mums do to support their football-crazy kids. Best of all, any mum can be nominated and the winning mum will attend a grand ceremony at Wembley Stadium!
Nominate your Football Mum of the Year NOW!
To nominate your #FootballMumoftheYear, visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/mumoftheyear and give them the recognition they truly deserve.
Here are the duties and responsibilities that occupy you and other Football Mums you know:
Fundraising
I’ve been a single parent football mum 4yr now, got roped into a 5k mud run for team @maryh1980
Our school is raising funds to buy a big shelter and kiosk for hot drinks for the parents @missielizzieb
Making friends
Grassroots football opens up so many opportunities for socialising, making friends and being part of a team @Soccermom4811
I love how being a football mum makes you part of a community — a tea-drinking, cheering community @jhowze
What only a Football Mum knows to bring
I keep black sacks in the car for the kids to sit on after a match @ChelseaMamma
You need several lays of clothing, a thermos of coffee and a large bladder! @FoxVillageFox
A camera so I can cherish the memories @Chelseymoo91
Hand and feet warmers @Jessies_Kitchen
Brrrrrr! That’s dedication https://t.co/hC5OTLnpOU @missielizzieb
The mother’s pride
I love taking photos of my lads playing. Here is one of my boys taking a corner! https://t.co/9Gwrc5poQQ @Soccermom4811
I’m all about the loud celebrations on the sidelines @jhowze
I love watching my son score! The smile on his face makes my swell with pride every time! @ChelseyMoo91
These moments make me so proud, and all those cold mornings so worth it. @fashion_mommyWM
Not care what others think when you are stood in the rain mud up to your shins celebrating a goal loudly lol @Tantrums2Smiles
Be proud, encouraging, supportive and most importantly enjoy your childs hobby @pinkwinkgirly
I attend matches with a flask of piping hot tea, a football rattle and a drum! @ChelseaMamma
Footie is a really great way to make friends in the school playground we’ve found https://t.co/XS00HDuR72 @LindaHobbis
Emotional qualities of Football Mums
She should be supportive, involved and proud! @Chelseymoo91
Keeping them going when they are getting beat & staying positive for them. @SusanKMann
Not just turning up, but watching & noticing how they play. There is always match talk afterwards @twirlyswirl79
Not care what others think when you are stood in the rain mud up to your shins celebrating a goal loudly lol @twirlyswirl79
To be supportive, encouraging and make sure they enjoy it and enjoy it yourself too. @MascaraandMud
Help them be patient. It took Alfie ages to be player of the week – but he got there @bluemoo17
Making football food
I used to make sausage chilli for the home & away sides + officials each week @Jessies_Kitchen
Always be ready with snacks @BletheringBoys
Taking care of wash day
Lots and lots of washing! @lindahobbis
Clean football kits = (amazing) football mum! https://t.co/ALGRLTWGIA @Luckysammyg
Need to have a good washing machine @twirlyswirl79
Anyone else feel like alot of your experiences evolve around constant washing lol!! @Tantrums2Smiles
A lot of muddy kit. Used to hate it when it was my turn for OH’s team kit @missielizzieb
A normal scene around here https://t.co/YgFcl2TgLk @MascaraandMud
Making “awards”, of a sort
I even made a trophy for my son out of cereal https://t.co/0A6x2J4H7f @pinkwinkgirly
The last words
A washing machine and car full of mud, battling grass stains and a shoulder to cry on if they don’t win! @ChelseaMamma
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