Photo Books for Football Players, Fans, and Families

The cover of Steelers 2008

If there’s one thing that says fall and early winter, it’s football. As we wind down the fantasy football season, gear up for the play-offs in the NFL, and settle in to watch the bowl games, it seems like a perfect time to feature a football book created by Barbara Rodriguez, a parent of a youth football player.

Barbara used Inkubook to make a sports team photo book about her son’s football team. Books will be presented to each of the players at the banquet in January. Barbara captured all the hard-hitting action of the boys’ games, but she also took the opportunity to ask each player to reflect on his team and provide a little insight into what he likes best about it. We were very impressed with how Barbara laid out her book, so we asked her a few questions about the experience.

Q. What prompted you to make your sports team photo book with Inkubook?

A. I looked at a number of photo book sites, including MyPublisher, Shutterfly, and Smilebox…. Then I came across Inkubook. I had no idea of what I was doing. I wanted to talk to someone live. One day I stumbled into the sports book and found Quantity Orders. This was what I was looking for so I sent my info and Jessica [Inkubook's product marketing manager] called me. She was great and really worked with our needs. She actually gave me ideas for next year on how to help with the cost of the yearbook. The price was fantastic. I made an Ultimate Portrait hardcover for the head coach, and the Simple Square for the boys. I am already thinking about other books that I can do.

Q. What’s the age group of the boys on the team and how many played?

A. There were 25 boys ages 9 through 12.

Q. It’s funny that each of the boys had a nickname. How did those come about?

A. At one practice during the season after they all got to know each other, the coaches had the kids come up with nicknames for each other. The kids had to all agree. It was quite entertaining.

Each player had the opportunity to write a statement about his favorite things about being on the team.

Q. Why did you create the book?

This was driven from the head coach. He wants the boys to have memories. His family is very involved. They have five kids, so the first yearbook was done by his oldest son, who is now in college. The coach calls them his treasures.

Q. Did you take all the pictures in the book yourself?

A. I took all the pictures myself–my first time with a camera. I guess that’s how I was chosen to do the photo album. I’m glad that everyone went along with the online idea.

Q. What was your favorite part about making the book?

Looking back at the season. I also enjoyed choosing the layouts. I know the boys will love the books.

The book includes a two-page spread with pictures
and scores from each of the games.

Q. Do you have any tips that you’d offer to other people who want to make a team book like this?

A. With digital, there are so many photos to go through. Pick the top 10 photos after each game and set them aside in a folder.

Whether you have a family member on a football team, basketball team, gymnastics team, or la crosse team, a yearbook at the end of the season makes a perfect keepsake or coaches’ gift, so try starting yours today.