Inside: I’m teaming up with soccerloco to break down everything you need to know about what to pack in your soccer bag on game day.Plus, grab a free printable packing list!
“Help! I’m a first-time soccer mom…
…and I have NO idea what my kid needs to get started!!”
This is one of the most common questions I get from readers, and I’m 99% sure it’s from my blog name.
As my name suggests, I am indeed a “soccer mom.” I grew up playing the sport all the way through high school, and my oldest daughter started last spring.
I love soccer andI actually do have a pretty good idea of what gear kids need to play the sport. It’s been some years since I last hit the field, but the basic needs for soccer haven’t changed much.
Keep reading to find out what to pack in your soccer bag if you’re a first time soccer mom or dad!
What to Pack in Your Soccer Bag (7 Things You Actually Need)
The first thing I want to emphasize is that youprobably don’t need as much as you think. Soccer doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, so it’s a very accessible sport.
Your team or league might have specific requirements, but the following are the basics that you need to get started playing recreational youth soccer.
Related:How to be more involved in your child’s sports team
Plus a free printable packing list at the end of the post!
1. Water bottle
Hydration is the most important thing to take care of on game day! A soccer game is basically non-stop running, and if it’s warm outside your child will sweat and expend a LOT of moisture.
Some teams might provide a water cooler, but it’s best to bring your own bottle just in case. Pack a water bottle for your player, as well as a bottle for every spectator in the family.
Look for an insulated stainless steel water bottle— not only are they reusable, but they keep water cold for hours, even in the hot sun!
As for what to drink? Nothing beats good ‘ol H2O!
It’s ok to treat your budding soccer star to a sports drink at halftime or after the game, but remember that those drinks usually contain a lot of sugar. The majority of kids’ daily hydration should come from water.
2. Soccer Ball
When purchasing a new soccer ball, be sure to choose the correct size soccer ball for your child’s age. Here are the standard requirements for soccer ball sizes:
- Size 3: Under 8 years old
- Size 4: Ages 8 – 12
- Size 5: Ages 13+ (including adults)
Check with the coach to see if your child needs to bring their ball to games (many leagues have game-day balls) or just practices.
3. Cleats (Soccer Shoes)
While some fun leagues allow kids to play in tennis shoes, flats (as they are commonly referred to) don’t provide much grip or support for running on grass. A good pair of soccer cleats provides traction for the fast-paced play and all weather conditions (they’re especially helpful for playing on muddy days).
Make sure you choose footwear specifically designed for soccer play (no re-purposing football or baseball cleats!) Some other sports use metal cleats, but many soccer leagues don’t allow them because metal cleats tear up the field and are dangerous if a child gets kicked by them. (Check with you league before purchasing a new pair or choose molded plastic cleats to be safe).
A good pair of cleats should last your child until they outgrow them, plus they offer more stability and foot protection. This is one item that is worth the splurge.
Related: Check out the latest selection of kids soccer shoes at soccerloco. They have tons of unique colors and styles, like the Nike Mercurial Superfly shown above.
4. Shin Guards
This is the most important piece of protective equipment your child wears during practice and games. It’s usually required by your league.
Don’t skimp on coverage – look for shin guards that offer as much leg and ankle protection as possible, while still being flexible.
5. Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Soccer games generally last a couple hours, so sun protection is key. Always apply sunscreen to your child before they dress for the game, and reapply as needed at halftime.
If you live in an area where mosquitos and other pests are common, bring the bug spray too! You’ll also appreciate having it on the sidelines.
Related: Click here to see what else we pack in our soccer first aid kit!
6. Change of clothes/shoes
Having extra clothes on hand for after the game keeps your player dry and more comfortable, plus protects the interior of your car.
7. Post-Game Snack
Some teams encourage healthy options, like fruit. However, I’ve seen some that pass out candy and other treats.
Kids have spent alot of energy during a soccer match, so it’s best to refuel with high-protein options, like these chocolate coconut protein balls.
More handy items to pack (or keep in the trunk)
- Plastic bags for dirty clothes & gear (a great way to recycle old shopping bags)
- Towels (both to sit on and to dry off with)
- Compact umbrella on rainy days
- Folding chairs to sit on the sidelines
- Cooler for extra drinks, snacks
- Soccer first aid kit
Free Printable Soccer Bag Packing List
Make sure you never forget the essentials with our free printable soccer bag packing list! There’s even a couple blank spaces to write in your own must-have items.
CLICK HERE to grab your free printable soccer bag packing list for game day!
Where to get the best soccer gear online
I don’t know about you, but I do a lot of my shopping online! With school, practices, games, and everything else our family is into during the year, it’s tricky to find extra time to go shopping in person.
soccerloco is our top choice for finding soccer equipment online— founded in 1997, they offer 20 years of experience in the industry. soccerloco offers premium brands like Nike, adidas, and Puma, as well as gear from MLS and European leagues.
The “loco” in their name comes from a crazy dedication to the sport of soccer. That dedication is obvious in all the details soccerloco put into their site, as well as the top-notch customer care.
CLICK HERE to shop for kids soccer gear at soccerloco!
This post about what to pack in your soccerbagis graciously sponsored by soccerloco— thank you for supporting the brands our family loves.
Check out our favorite soccer crafts and recipes:
Healthy Soccer Bento Lunch for Kids
Chocolate Dipped Soccer Oreos
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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Stacey is the creator of The Soccer Mom Blog, a Houston Texas mom blog that focuses on positive living for women and families. She loves to share real food recipes, money-saving tips, parenting encouragement, kids activities, DIY tutorials, home hacks, fitness, and so much more! To get to know Stacey even better, click here.
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As an expert in soccer and a soccer mom myself, I can provide you with detailed information about what to pack in your soccer bag on game day. I have firsthand experience playing soccer throughout high school, and my oldest daughter also plays the sport. I have a deep understanding of the gear and equipment needed for soccer, and I keep myself updated on the latest trends and requirements in the sport.
In this article, the author discusses the essential items to pack in your soccer bag for game day. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article and provide more information on them:
Water bottle
Hydration is crucial during a soccer game, as it involves continuous running and can lead to significant sweating. It's important to bring a water bottle for your child to stay hydrated throughout the game. Look for an insulated stainless steel water bottle that can keep the water cold for hours, especially on hot days. While it's okay to treat your child to a sports drink at halftime or after the game, the majority of their hydration should come from water due to the high sugar content in sports drinks.
Soccer Ball
A soccer ball is a fundamental item to have for practice sessions and some games. When purchasing a soccer ball, make sure to choose the correct size based on your child's age. Size 3 is recommended for children under 8 years old, size 4 for ages 8-12, and size 5 for ages 13 and above, including adults. However, it's essential to check with your coach or league to see if your child needs to bring their own ball or if game-day balls are provided.
Cleats (Soccer Shoes)
Having a good pair of soccer cleats is important for providing traction and support while running on grass. Soccer cleats are designed specifically for soccer play and offer better grip and stability. It's crucial to choose cleats that are appropriate for soccer and not repurpose cleats from other sports like football or baseball. Additionally, many soccer leagues do not allow metal cleats due to safety concerns, so it's best to check with your league before purchasing a new pair. Molded plastic cleats are a safer option.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are a vital piece of protective equipment that your child should wear during both practice and games. They provide protection to the shins and ankles. Look for shin guards that offer sufficient coverage and protection while still being flexible.
Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Sun protection is crucial during soccer games, as they can last for a couple of hours. Apply sunscreen to your child before they dress for the game and reapply as needed at halftime. If you live in an area where mosquitoes and other pests are common, it's advisable to bring bug spray as well.
Change of Clothes/Shoes
Having extra clothes on hand for after the game is important to keep your child dry and comfortable. It also helps protect the interior of your car. Pack a change of clothes and shoes for your child to change into after the game.
Post-Game Snack
After expending a lot of energy during a soccer match, it's essential to refuel with a post-game snack. Some teams encourage healthy options like fruit, while others may distribute candy and treats. Opting for high-protein snacks like chocolate coconut protein balls is a good choice to replenish energy levels.
The article also mentions other handy items to pack in your soccer bag, such as plastic bags for dirty clothes and gear, towels, a compact umbrella for rainy days, folding chairs for the sidelines, a cooler for extra drinks and snacks, and a soccer first aid kit.
I hope this information helps you understand what to pack in your soccer bag on game day. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
