On Saturday, I had the honor of supporting my coach-bae at a Tackling Technique Clinic he hosted for young athletes. A couple of weeks ago, the high school he coaches for hosted the San Gabriel Valley’s Jr Coaches Clinic on its campus. As part of this clinic, he and one of his players demonstrated proper techniques for tackling. And coaches ATE. IT. UP. Seeing the demand for such information, he decided to host a clinic just for tackling and open it up to young athletes.

This wasn’t the first or last time he’d host an event for the athletes in the community. Athletic coaches, at all levels, tend to achieve a variety of recruitment and outreach goals through community events. Goals like:

Nurturing the relationship between their school and the local community.
Mentoring and positively influencing young athletes, instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and commitment.
Raising awareness and support for the school’s athletic programs, encouraging broader participation and investment.

It was important for me to figure out my role in these community events. With games, it’s easier because WAGs are really just spectators like everyone else in attendance. Sure, we have a bit more emotional investment than many of the attendees. But there’s not much else we can do during games besides be there physically, emotionally, and mentally. But community events are more intimate and involved. They’re much more than just spectating.

After one year of supporting coach-bae during youth camps and clinics, I’ve learned six ways to support him during these experiences. And I’m sharing them with you (because sharing is caring!) in case you were trying to find your way in the sea of community events, as well.

Be Present and Engaged

This is probably the easiest one — be sure to attend the event and demonstrate support by cheering for your coach and the athletes. It’s important that as a representation of our coaches, we engage with the community and other attendees to foster a positive atmosphere. At the beginning of each pre-season, I ask my coach for a list of event dates for the upcoming pre-season and season. I put them on my calendar to ensure that I’m available and able to attend. I also check in with him on any dress codes or attire. I’ll ask questions like “Is it indoors or outdoors? on the football field or in a gym? with just athletes or with their parents? will any school administration or city officials be present?” This helps me determine what to wear. And I always wear neutral or school colors. Finally, I make sure I greet any parents, athletes, or other individuals that I come into contact with. Now, to be transparent, I’m an introvert. So I don’t go seeking anyone out. But everyone I make eye contact with or cross paths with gets a warm smile and greeting.

Help with Event Logistics

Offer to help with behind-the-scenes tasks such as setup, registration, or managing the snacks. This support can help make the event run smoothly and give it a personal touch. Now, again to be transparent, I strongly dislike volunteering. I don’t even volunteer at my daughter’s school events. I’m the mom that will send a check over volunteering. And my coach’s events are no different. I tend to volunteer for specific roles like flyer design or online waiver setup because my strength is digital design and I can do it from the comfort of my couch (lol!). But on the day of, I always offer to help fill any gaps left by volunteers who had last-minute schedule changes. I’m rarely taken up on it, but I do offer!

Provide Emotional and Moral Support

This is the one we’re all too familiar with — be a source of encouragement for your coach before and after the event. We know all too well how to offer a listening ear and positive reinforcement whenever and however often he needs it. For us, this looks like praying together before the event starts, going to lunch or dinner after the event to debrief and celebrate, and providing constructive feedback when requested.

Connect with the Community

If you’re up to it, use the event as an opportunity to connect with other coaches, their families, and community members. Making a good impression and strengthening these relationships can benefit your coach’s career. I do this by being sure to ask engaging questions of the coaches, families, and community members that I talk with. I’m sure to follow along in the conversations, remember names, and express interest. I also try hard to call everyone by name and note where I met them. I don’t always succeed. But it is something I’m always endeavoring to do.

Manage Your Time Effectively

This one may just be for me as I tend to always run 5-15 minutes late. Plan your schedule to balance your other responsibilities and make space for the event. For me, this looks like determining my look, schedule for that day, and transportation (whether I’m riding with him or not) in the days prior to the event and not that day. There’s nothing worse than burdening my coach with my last-minute tasks while he’s got a whole production to coordinate. So we usually talk two weeks prior so I can get an idea of what’s going on, and then I confirm one week prior and the day before.

Leverage Social Media to Promote the Event

If you’re a social media user, use your social media platforms to share event details, celebrate successes, and promote future events. This can increase visibility and encourage community engagement for him, but also for you! I’m in a unique position because I manage my coach’s and his football team’s social media pages. So I’m already in the ‘business’ of promoting their events on social media. But I always share the posts on my personal page for the athletes, moms, and supporters of my husband who follow me. I also just like bragging about him :).

Key Takeaways

At my coach’s Tackling Clinic, I wore all black (to match with coach), rode with him to and from the event (because my day was clear), covered the registration table (because the parent volunteer was stuck in traffic), took photos and videos for social media, mingled with coaches and families, helped clean up, went out to lunch with my coach afterward, and bragged about him on Instagram afterward.

Supporting your coach at community events isn’t just about being there; it’s about being present, engaged, and proactive in a way that amplifies his efforts and strengthens his community ties. From the simple act of showing up and cheering to the more involved roles like helping with logistics and building connections, there’s a lot you can do to represent your coach well and make these events successful. So, the next time you find yourself at one of these events, remember these tips and enjoy the chance to contribute to your coach while also contributing to something greater. Here’s to many more successful events and continued support for your coach-bae!

How do you support your coach during community events? Share your experiences and tips in the comments!