Helping hand: At Super Fest, volunteers work with developmentally challenged athletes to enjoy football and cheer activities, giving participants an opportunity to take part in Super Bowl weekend in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment. / Photo courtesy The Matthew Foundation and Super Fest
Volunteer for Super Fest San Francisco: Inclusive Football & Cheer Camp on Super Bowl Weekend
Here’s how the Gael community can help create a joyful, fully supported experience for neurodivergent and developmentally disabled athletes.
Saint Mary’s is supporting Super Fest San Francisco, an inclusive football and cheer camp held during Super Bowl weekend in February. Led by The Matthew Foundation, Super Fest welcomes participants of all abilities to learn skills alongside volunteer coaches and buddies in a highly supportive environment. Past Super Fest events have been regularly featured on ESPN.
When & where:
- Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo
How Saint Mary’s is involved:
- Faculty lead: Associate Professor of Psychology James McCauley is serving on the host committee. He’s coordinating SMC volunteers—especially for a sensory and art area that supports athletes and families throughout the day.
- Volunteering: Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents/families are invited to volunteer. No football or cheer experience required—just a welcoming spirit.
Ways to participate
- Volunteer on-site: set up/take down, athlete “buddy” support, cheer camp support, sensory/art station, check-in, hospitality/wayfinding. Individuals with experience supporting individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to help provide support to athletes.
- Spread the word to families who may wish to register a participant (football or cheer).
- Academic/service tie-ins: Departments are welcome to coordinate course-based or service-learning hours with Prof. McCauley.
Sign up & learn more
- Volunteer with the SMC team: Email James McCauley to be added to the SMC volunteer roster and receive shift details. All volunteers will also need to sign up on the Super Fest website and complete the event waiver.
- Participant registration and event info: Visit The Matthew Foundation’s Super Fest page, which includes background and links managed by the organizer. Space is limited.
About Super Fest
Super Fest is an inclusive football and cheer camp staged annually in the Super Bowl host community, designed so participants “can authentically enjoy the activities during Super Bowl weekend in a supported environment.”
Questions? Contact James McCauley at jbm16@stmarys-ca.edu. If you work with unit at Saint Mary’s that would like to organize a group of volunteers, he can help coordinate scheduling and roles.
