By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Little league football has long been a cornerstone of the Seattle community, offering young athletes a positive outlet to develop both their skills and character. This year, the Parkland Raiders have made their mark in the Northwest Premiere League, not just for their on-field performance but for the dedication of women who support the team behind the scenes. Among these leaders are team moms like Patricia Cheid and Crystal Chatters, who play vital roles in the success of the organization.
Patricia Cheid became a Parkland team mom in August 2023, after consistently volunteering to help the Raiders. She was asked to take on the role more formally, and it didn’t take long for her to embrace the responsibilities.
“As a team mom, we provide for the team in every aspect it may need, including immediate first care when necessary. We coordinate volunteering, handle schedules, and ensure everything runs smoothly so the coaches can focus on coaching,” says Cheid.
For Crystal Chatters, being a team mom is all about caring for the players as if they were her own.
“The boys come to you for everything, and I love it. During football season, they are basically your babies, and that’s how I treat them. Anything they need, whether it’s the players or coaches, we are there, almost like a backbone,” said Chatters.
Youth sports play a crucial role in shaping young athletes into well-rounded individuals and contributing members of the community.
“Having youth sports is important because it gives young boys, who are becoming young men, a positive outlet,” Cheid shared. “A lot of these kids don’t have father figures at home or come from unstable backgrounds, so being on that football field is like their sanctuary. It provides them with direction, teamwork, dedication, drive, and accountability—things they will need as adults.”
Chatters, whose son plays on Parkland’s 13U team, has been involved with the Raiders for three years. For her, being a team mom is a way of giving back.
“I love helping our youth, and I really love our boys. This is my way of giving back to the community,” she said. “I also love our coaches. They truly inspire the boys.”
Cheid says that the Parkland Raiders stand out as a family-oriented organization that fosters a sense of unity both on and off the field.
“We are very family oriented. Our families really participate and get behind the boys and the parents,” she said. “Not only do our players develop a brotherhood, but the parents also form family bonds.”
For Cheid, the welcoming environment provided by the Raiders has been especially meaningful. As a member of the U.S. Army for 26 years, Cheid and her family are accustomed to moving frequently, which can be challenging for her son. She says that the sense of belonging and community that Cheid experienced inspired her to step up as a team mom.
“It just made sense to do my part and give back to a community that has provided so much for my family,” said Cheid.
“I’ve been stationed in Washington for three years, and Parkland welcomed us with open arms. It feels great to give back to a community that supports our military families,” she continued. “It’s hard for my son, having to move every three to five years, but the way they welcomed him was amazing. It felt like they had known him for years.”
For Chatters, the most rewarding aspect of being a team mom is the opportunity to help not only the players but also their families.
“I have a passion for helping people, and that’s my strong suit,” she said. “Team moms assist in any area needed—whether it’s financial support or just being there for the families. I knew stepping up to be a team mom would be challenging, but I also knew I could do it and help out the boys and their families.”
Through their dedication and leadership, team moms like Cheid and Chatters help shape the future of young athletes, ensuring that they not only succeed on the field but also grow into responsible, resilient adults. Their efforts, along with the support of the Parkland Raiders community, continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved.
“It takes a special person to do this job,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard but knowing I can make a difference for these kids and their families makes it all worth it.”
