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Illinois Football Hosts Moms for Special Practice
Illini players' mothers join their sons on the field for annual Mom's Weekend event.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:20am
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The annual Illini football Mom's Weekend practice brings players and their families together in a celebration of community and shared experience.Champaign TodayThe University of Illinois football team took a break from their regular spring practice schedule to host a special practice that featured the players' mothers joining them on the field. This is the second year in a row the Illini have held this Mom's Weekend event, which allows the football families to spend quality time together on the practice field.
Why it matters
The annual Mom's Weekend practice is an important team-building event that strengthens the bonds between the Illini players and their families. It also showcases the program's commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and 'FamILLy' culture, which head coach Bret Bielema has emphasized as a key part of the team's identity.
The details
During the practice, the players' mothers were able to participate alongside their sons, getting a firsthand look at the team's drills and workouts. Head coach Bret Bielema noted that attendance for the Mom's Weekend practice nearly doubled from the previous year, indicating growing interest and enthusiasm for the event.
- The Mom's Weekend practice took place on April 12, 2026, amidst the University of Illinois' annual Mom's Weekend celebration.
The players
Brayden Trimble
A wide receiver on the Illini football team.
Kingston Shaw
A defensive lineman on the Illini football team.
What they’re saying
“Absolutely love it. I asked Brayden probably four months ago, 'When's Mom's Weekend?' So I was really excited to be able to come down and enjoy the boys, and Coach B is the best coach ever.”
— Brittanie Trimble, Mother of wide receiver Brayden Trimble
“It truly is FamILLy, it's not a cliché just written on the walls. It's a standard, it's a heart, it's a pulse. You just feel the spirit of unity amongst the brotherhood here, amongst the coaches.”
— Courtney Shaw, Mother of defensive lineman Kingston Shaw
What’s next
The Illini football team will continue their spring practice schedule in the coming weeks, leading up to their annual spring game on April 26th.
The takeaway
The Illini football program's commitment to fostering a strong family culture and involving players' families in team activities is a unique and valuable aspect of the program that helps build camaraderie and support within the team.
