Hi Friends! Welcome to Mom in the Bleachers!
I‘m Pringle Jackson, mom to two sports loving kids, wife to a sports loving big kid, and blogger / manager of this crazy sports life and blog!
When we first signed up for travel sports (baseball, lacrosse, soccer), I had no idea what would lie ahead. And while this new lifestyle definitely took some getting used to, I’ve learned a lot of tricks along the way to make it easier, more manageable, and a heck of a lot of fun.
Navigating the world of youth sports can be daunting, overwhelming and exciting all in the course of one day. There is an entire industry based on this topic.
But who better to learn some tips and tricks than from a mom living it with kids in multiple sports? Whether you’re struggling to find a coach’s gift, tasked with organizing team goodie bags or looking for the perfect bag for the field, you’ll find those answers here.
My Story
Looking back at the life of this blog, it seems like the universe was giving me hints that I ignored. Or maybe I was just too busy to slow down and listen to them.
Hint #1 arrived during the summer of 2020. There weren’t many structured activities available, and we let our kids each try out for a travel team in their respective sport (lacrosse for him and soccer for her). They were dying to try out for a travel team. They each made their team, and at the time, their acceptances felt like a godsend. Structure, friends, exercise and a glimmer of normalcy – yes!. Fast forward three years and many weekends on the sidelines, and I can’t remember life before travel sports.
I was constantly jotting down tips people gave me, so with each season I became more of a seasoned sports mom. Post it notes of training equipment, pictures on my phone of cute backpacks, heated vests, collapsible wagons, you name it. I had all these tips in my head, on my phone and in my car and would trade them with other moms on the sidelines. Hint #2- ignored.
Then the final hint was I became team manager of my daughter’s travel soccer team. Back in rec league, team manager consisted of organizing snacks and a coach gift. Travel team manager is a whole other league. Before I knew it, I was well versed in finding the best hotels for away tournaments and compiling the best goodie bags.
Three months in, I finally decided to combine two of my passions- sports and writing!
About MITB
Mom In The Bleachers is a resource for all parents (not just moms!) who have a child on a youth sports team.
- For the new mom who just joined the team and isn’t sure what she signed up for
- For the seasoned mom who has run out of ideas for coaches gifts, team mom gifts, all the gifts!
- For the mom who has sat on plenty of bleachers and sidelines, but still wants to look stylish and practical while doing it
- For all the moms out there who are just trying to make their lives easier!
My hope is that this site and its resources can make this season of youth sports life a little easier. Thank you for stopping by!
A Little More About Me
In addition to being a blogger, wife, and mother, I’m also just a normal mom, sitting in the bleachers, living in Atlanta, Georgia.
I’m an active person, often found running, swimming and playing tennis. Despite the eye rolls, I frequently relive my sports glory days playing H-O-R-S-E in the driveway or shooting penalty kicks in our backyard with my kids.
I have a wonderful labradoodle who, if allowed near the field, loves to accompany me to any sporting event. And she quickly becomes the center of attention for all fans and players.
I enjoy traveling (when I can) and spending time with my family and friends. It’s a win-win if a sporting event brings us to cities with one or the other!
While youth sports can be a little crazy at times, I believe they also provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience life lessons through teamwork, defeat, self confidence, perseverance and commitment.
