Mamanet (Catch and Serve) Gaining Popularity in Latvia: A Sport for Mothers Becomes a Passion
Mamanet, or 'Catch and Serve', is rapidly growing in popularity in Latvia, especially in Smiltene and Rauna, where teams have formed and even hosted a national tournament.
Mamanet, also known as 'Catch and Serve' in Latvian, is a sport originally created in Israel in 2005 for mothers and women over 30 who are not typically active in sports. The game is based on volleyball but with a twist: players can only catch and throw the ball, making it a cross between volleyball and traditional folk ball games. In Latvia, it has gained a strong following, particularly in the Smiltene region.
On June 21, 2025, Smiltene hosted its first national-level mamanet tournament at the sports and recreation complex 'Teperis'. The event, titled 'Mamanet saLīgo Smiltenē', ran from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and featured 18 teams from towns including Smiltene, Rauna, Rūjiena, Naukšēni, Jēkabpils, Viļāni, Alūksne, Balvi, and Valmiera. All 18 spots were filled within an hour of registration opening.
The first mamanet team in Smiltene was formed in November 2024, and it now has 13 players with coach Juris Bērziņš. The team captain, Baiba Tetere, recalls that initially many members had no experience in ball sports, but they quickly improved and even participated in the Latvian championship. Player Zane Ozola, a mother of two, emphasizes that the sport is addictive and offers a great way to socialize and take a break from daily routines.
Thanks to the Smiltene team's initiative, a second team was established in Rauna in February 2025. Player Inta Puriņa, a mother of two, notes that mamanet is gentler than many other sports, especially after childbirth, and provides a valuable opportunity for mothers to get out of the house and connect with others.
The tournament's top league was won by team 'Rūjiena – Catch’n Serve Ball', followed by 'Jēkabpils Lūsijas' and 'Mamanet Valmiera'. In the second league, Alūksne took first place, Aloja's 'Ale Mamas' second, and 'Smiltene' third.
Players from other regions, such as Liene Namniece-Bērziņa from Valmiera and Inga Stepiņa from Jelgava, highlight that mamanet requires no prior sports experience and fosters a strong sense of community, often becoming like a second family. The Smiltene team is open to new members and ready to help others start their own teams.
