It’s almost impossible to not schedule youth sports games on Mother’s Day. With the usual spring weather-related postponements and most leagues “shutting down” on the Memorial Day holiday, football teams all over America will be teeing it up on Sunday. 

Here are three ways the players can make Game Day special for their moms, and by that I mean three ways dads can make sure the kids make it a great day.

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Are you the parent of a youth, middle school or high school football player who’s looking for more tips or resources? Check out our Parent Guide, Parents 101 course, nutritious recipes and more.

1. Treat mom like a VIP from start to finish. Make her breakfast in bed, or at least at the kitchen table. Pack mom a bag of her favorite snacks and drinks. Open the door for her when she gets in the car to leave for the game and do the same when she gets out. Carry Mom’s chair to her spot on the sideline. Lastly, give her a quick kiss and “Happy Mother’s Day Mom!” before you head out onto the field to warm up. 

2. One of our son’s head coaches always has a bucket of roses at the Mother’s Day game, and as soon as the team breaks the postgame huddle, they present their moms with a flower. It’s a four-year-and-running tradition, but the excitement of the players when they present mom with a flower never wanes. You can be the dad that buys the flowers!

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3. Treat mom to lunch or dinner after the big game. I don’t mean they literally have to pay for the meal. But kids typically just want to go home, change out of their uniforms and get outside with friends. Think about how special mom would feel if the kids – maybe with a nudge from dad – suggested that instead of going home to play, they all take mom out to eat.

Most likely if your child is playing youth sports, they’ll inevitably spend part of Mother’s Day weekend at a game. And sure enough, their No. 1 fan will be in the stands. Make sure the Mom knows how much she’s appreciated. 

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Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.