It is officially that time of year! Coach’s Wives or football lovers already know what I mean. It’s time for some football! In today’s blog, I’m sharing one of the traditions I have adopted to make my imprint felt beyond the stands beginning with creating and distributing Player Care Packages to our position group at some point during Fall Camp as a Coach’s Wife.
If you’re reading this, I hope I can safely assume that you are looking for ways to extend your support and love beyond the field or the stands as well. While that is more than enough, I think we all know the beautiful effect of receiving something unexpected, intentional, and a simple kind gesture. This tradition of mine is my personal way of supporting my husband, the team, and his respective position group. It’s also a way to assist my husband in fortifying the culture he has established with his guys. Let me tell you, it goes a long way for everyone involved. My husband still remembers things that his former coaches wives did for his team in college. We’ve even adopted a thing or two as well so never think that what you do goes unnoticed, sis.
Historically, the sole idea behind care packages is to make the recipient feel valued, seen, and cared for. What better way to ensure that our players feel like more than an athlete? And even as a valued athlete, to feel seen and cared for beyond what they contribute to the scoreboard is something money can’t buy. So, let’s get into the details of how I do it so you can too!
At the onset of every season, I send a link to a survey I create via Google Docs and have my husband send it to all his players. This helps me learn more about them individually and gain insight to help with filling each player’s care package. I always like to include things specific to the individual, whether it be their favorite drink or snack if I can.
DOWN:
Research and decide on the design or aesthetic that you want on the inside. You can find many ideas on Pinterest and save them to a board for reference. Remember, this is meant to be a complete surprise, so I like to use these questions as a guide:
Why am I making this package?
What is the theme I’m going for?
Is there a position-specific or team focal point that can drive the theme?
What are the team colors?
Do I want to add words or a message?
If so, what do I want it to say?
SET:
Gather supplies.
Once I have answered the questions above and received all feedback via the survey, I know that I can begin shopping. You will need the following:
- USPS Shipping boxes (number dependent upon how many players you are creating for)
- Design tools (scrapbook paper or whatever material you will use to decorate and design the inside of the box, etc.)
- Stencils
- Gift filler paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Spray Paint (optional)
- Marker
- Kraft Wrapping paper
- Twine
- Filler items (snacks, drinks, etc.)
HUT:
Now let’s Prep Player Packages.
I grab USPS Shipping boxes from the local Post Office or order them online. Pause…Guess what? You can actually order some here for FREE! Yes, ma’am, you read that correctly. F R E E. Don’t say I never tried to help you now lol Now depending on how much you want to include, you can go with the medium 11-1/4(L) x 8-3/4(W) x 6(H) box or the large 12-1/4(L) x 12(W) x 6(H) box. For reference, I am using the medium sized box which I think is perfect for the task at hand.
Pop them open, tape them together as normal, and then get ready to make your design come to life. Hobby Lobby is my go-to spot for all things crafts, and they tend to have exactly what I need this time of year. Both designs or sheets shown are simply football designed scrapbook paper picked up right at Hobby Lobby, making the process so much easier. Measure and cut the design sheets or craft paper to fit the box flaps, and then I love to use this Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive glue to secure it. At this point, if there is a message that I want to add like “Go (team mascot)” or something like that, I can write it out by hand, pull out my Cricut, or use a marker with a stencil for the outline.
Once everything is in place, I may or may not add a sheet to the bottom of the box just for completion, like this actual football textured paper. It’s so cool and feels like a real football! It won’t be seen, so it definitely is optional, but I like to take things up a notch when I can so this is right up my alley.
Then, I use gift paper and/or shredded filler paper to fill the inside as additional decoration and cushion for the snacks. I like to have a little fun with this part by coordinating the filler paper with the team colors or even the player’s favorite color, as indicated via the survey they filled out. Again, a personal touch goes a long way.
Now, we fill it up with goodies! Another question I like to ask in the survey concerns their favorite drinks and snacks. If they’re responses are within reason and locally available, I try my best to include those things in their respective packages. If not, I simply fill them all pretty similar with things like a Gatorade drink, chips, and more snacks they can enjoy throughout camp after working so hard day in and out. They deserve a treat!
After everything has been completed to satisfaction, I like to add a handwritten note from my husband to again reinforce the fact that we see them as more than players on a roster, but as young men destined for greatness. My husband, their Coach, knows them better than I ever will so this is a way for him to be intentional and pour into each of them individually. We are so grateful that God blessed us to do life with them and share His love for them through us on and off the field. We don’t take our assignments for granted and take advantage of any opportunity to pour into them.
OK, It’s time to wrap it all up. Literally, lol. I like to wrap the boxes because, unlike traditional care packages being shipped, these would be distributed locally, and the outside of a shipping box just isn’t that aesthetically pleasing. I keep it neutral by using kraft wrapping paper to seal the gift and twine to add an extra touch of style. These are young men so I try to keep the decor to a minimum while still getting my creative fix.
I love to finalize with personalizing each package with the corresponding jersey number of the player it is for. Depending on the time I have to get this done, I either use stencils to place the numbers on the side and/or top of the package using spray paint or a sharpie. I may even use my Cricut to cut and secure them to the box if I have the time. It just depends, but again, as you can see, there are several options that would fit a variety of comfort zones. And just like that, it’s all done!
I hope that this was helpful for you and gave you an idea to do for your guys. Or even just the confidence to make your gesture come to life. I will say, this does take a little time and I usually do this for a smaller group of players. If your position group is on the larger side, you could substitute the boxes for simple goodie bags. Trust me, they appreciate it. Be sure to let me know if you have any football traditions in the comments, of if you’re going to give this a try this season! Until next time, Happy Football Season and good luck to you and yours…unless we play you of course lol.
Grace & Peace
