The Evolution of POP

It’s never an easy thing to watch your child go away to university. And there’s an added concern when they play a varsity sport that comes with its own risks and challenges. Bruna Ferraro had those very feelings of trepidation when her eldest son Daniel began his kicking career with Gryphon Football a decade ago. She would make her way to U of G games with her husband Domenic and youngest son Gabriel, then a high school student athlete, in tow.

The Ferraros were fortunate enough to get to know a like-minded group of parents who supported their sons at Alumni Stadium.

“From the beginning, I felt like my son was in the right place,” says Bruna, who forged enough of a connection with Guelph that Gabe would eventually follow his record-breaking brother’s path. “So we felt like we were in the right place.”

That group officially became the Parents of Players, affectionately known as POP. Parent Sharanne MacDonald (mom of Grant MacDonald) was the initial driving force behind the group and founded it before Ferraro took the reins as president in Daniel’s second year on the team. In those days, they tailgated out of the back of their cars, with a pot luck system that amounted to a big family barbeque.

Ferraro says that POP hit a new level when Stu Lang became involved with the program. Taking a “bigger and better” approach, Lang wanted to do what he could to make life easier on the committed parents who descended on Guelph during Gryphon game days and donated their own time and money to help make the afternoon unique. Anyone who has cruised through the U of G’s H parking lot has experienced the palpable energy created in the hours leading up to kickoff. It all starts early in the morning. There are several tables full of amazing food (barbeque, stuffed shells, etc…) and swag, all courtesy of parents who take on the various roles to get it done.

“Stu asked if he could provide tables and tents,” says Ferraro, whose Italian heritage made it easy for her to go all-in on a celebration. “He provided us what we needed, which instilled a huge sense of pride that helped our purpose and gave it a very special feel.”

But POP became much more than an opportunity to cook up some delicious food at the stadium or the more condensed version that travels when the red, black, and gold go on the road. One of Ferraro’s most important mandates was to offer a welcoming environment for parents who shared the bond of Gryphon Football. And for those who have joined POP in the subsequent years, the camaraderie among parents adds to the dynamic.

“I was initially exposed to the POP group through a presentation at the recruit day by Bruna and her team,” says Judy Beeksma, mother of third-year linebacker Jared Beeksma. “Jared had been invited to the recruit day to introduce him to the staff of the Guelph Gryphons football team. Bruna and her team made the POP group feel very inclusive and exciting. It made you want to get involved and get connected to the team.”

Judy began working with POP this past year and calls the experience extremely rewarding. That’s a common theme among parents who have been a part of this evolving group. Numbers have soared from those original days with Ferraro estimating that her email list of parents (with current players and alum), coaches, and community members is nearing 500.

POP plays a big role for these people. In various ways, they are a liaison with the team. If a parent has a concern about their child’s experience, POP can help.

“I’ve been there, I know what it’s like,” Ferraro says about lending support when needed. “You have a sense of expectation and sometimes they’re not met, even if they’re unrealistic. If you think your kid is hurting, it can be overwhelming.

“I love that we have that opportunity through POP. Parents appreciate that.”

Beeksma sees POP as having an important role with communication.

“We are inclusive with all of the parties involved with such a big organization,” she says. “There is a true ‘connect’ between players, parents, and the team. The tailgates are a huge part of what we do and a very visible component, but there is so much more that Bruna and the POP group achieve. The parents have a conduit when they have concerns so that we may direct them to someone who may help them. We are there for the players when they are in need, as well.” 

As POP has grown, the group has expanded its scope. One truly memorable event is the annual Mothers Tea where approximately 40 moms go to meet the head coach and take in a Football 101 presentation at the Pavilion.

“Coach (Ryan) Sheahan was amazing,” Ferraro says of this year’s edition. “He opened the doors and allowed me to come in and talk about what POP is, does, and what it means to the program.”

One of POP’s most important objectives is fundraising. As the tailgate grew, so did the money that was collected. It was originally meant to simply break even.

“It got bigger and bigger and the donations got bigger and bigger,” says Ferraro. “People were so generous. Alumni started joining us and we saw them putting in $20, $50.”

They knew there was plenty of good that could be done with that extra money. A couple seasons ago, the tailgate raised $1,300 for the family of wide receiver Jordan Terrio, who’s little sister Jazmin was afflicted with a rare neurological disorder. That money went to help the support the Terrios through a difficult journey.

POP gets involved with the Gryphon Football’s Think Pink Game and donates money to breast cancer research. And when an alum passes away, POP is quick to send flowers or donate to a cause in their name.

The group is compassionate, showing the same love for others as they do for their own children in the program.

“The vibe is so positive,” says Beeksma, who is particularly impacted by Think Pink Game as a breast cancer survivor herself. “To be involved with POP has been such a great feeling. When Jared came up to me at a tailgate last season to express how proud he was that we were involved, it made my heart swell with pride.

“POP infuses a lifeblood connecting all the parts of a sometimes very fast-moving train. We love being a positive, bright energy that connects the parents of players to a great organization.”

Written By: David DiCenzo