> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I message my club or coach?

> Read and reply to message threads with your club and coaches from the Chat page.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * You reply inside threads your **club or a coach starts** — replying in the portal never costs a text message, even on an SMS thread.
  * If a club sends a **web-only** message, you get no email or text nudge; you'll only see it when you open the portal.
  * **Photo and file attachments aren't supported** in chat, and messages aren't instant — the portal checks for new ones about every 10 seconds.
</Note>

Open **Chat** to see your message threads with the clubs and coaches you're connected to (the page's own heading reads **Conversations**). Each thread shows a small icon for how the club reaches you: a globe for in-app only, a phone for text, or an envelope for email.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a conversation">
    Pick a thread from the list on the left. Use the search box to find a club by name. Opening a thread marks it as read and clears its unread badge.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read and reply">
    The thread's messages load in the main panel in date order — scroll to the bottom for the latest. Type your reply in the box at the bottom and tap the paper-plane (send) icon.
  </Step>
</Steps>

You reply inside existing threads rather than starting new ones — clubs and coaches open the conversation, and your replies always go back in-app, so an SMS thread never uses up a text on your end. Because messages aren't instant, give the portal a moment to pick up a new reply.

Want to control when a club can text or email you? Those settings live in the notification and SMS articles below.

**Related:** [What notifications and emails will I receive?](/families/families-following/notifications-and-emails-you-receive) · [How do I turn text message notifications on or off?](/families/families-following/turn-sms-notifications-on-off)