10 Things Every Soccer Player Should Bring to The Field

10 Things Every Soccer Player Should Bring to The Field

(Thank you NO-AD Sunscreen of sending us samples to try this summer. All the opinions stated in this post are 100% mine.)

School’s back in session and with that also comes a full blown soccer season. Our oldest son plays travel soccer, for the third year in a row. We know it’s a big commitment, from him and the entire family, but it’s something we gladly do. The benefits of playing a team sport far outweighs the “inconvenience” and time commitment.

However, as we transition into a new soccer season, I find myself reminding him (over and over again) of all the things he has to bring to every practice and every game. How can he not remember these things on his own? Is he deliberately trying to age me before my time?

I love him. Really, I do. But BOY does he have the ability to test my patience. I know he means well, there is simply not a mean bone in his body… but his forgetfulness can be maddening, especially when you need to nag and repeat yourself to get anything done.

(Please God, let’s get through these tween/ teen years with my sanity intact!)

Oh well, behind every forgetful young man, stands a very patient mother who eventually will figure out a way to outsmart her child! – And I did JUST that!

After seeing how well our new morning routine is working for all three school-bound kids, I set up the same routine for our soccer kids, with [easyazon_link identifier=”1624144152″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]raging success[/easyazon_link].

There are ten things our travel soccer player brings with him to every practice and every game. [easyazon_link identifier=”1624144152″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]This check list[/easyazon_link] reminds him of everything – and therefore does ALL the nagging for me!

10 Things Every Soccer Player Needs to Bring to Practice and Games:

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B000L2DSLK” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Soccer ball:[/easyazon_link]
  • Make sure it’s the right size ball for his age group and that the ball is properly inflated.
• Practice uniform:
  • Shirt, shorts, and of course [easyazon_link identifier=”B00O4CL4IM” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]underwear[/easyazon_link]!
  • Yes, mothers do need to remind their boys to wear underwear, from time to time!
• Game uniforms:
  • On game days, wear the home or away uniform according to the location of the game, but also always bring the other game uniform, just in case.
  • Our team has had to switch uniforms on more than one occasion when we get to the field.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DLT5U60″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Shin guards[/easyazon_link]:
  • Have him put these on before you leave the house, so he’s not struggling with them in the car.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ECZGVPC” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Socks[/easyazon_link]:
  • Make sure he wears the right color uniform socks.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B010Q1EYU4″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Cleats:[/easyazon_link]
  • Our kids put these on in the car, although for the younger kids its often easier to get them on before you leave the house.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00YPXGLVU” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Drinks:[/easyazon_link]
  • Bring a sports drink and also a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00YPXGLVU” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]big water jug[/easyazon_link] of iced water, especially when they are playing in the hot sun.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01A4ZXXR2″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Towel:[/easyazon_link]
  • This is a must-have here in Florida, especially as the kids get older and they sweat as much as a 300 lbs. grown man mowing the lawn at high noon.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B06Y5X9WVC” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Cooling towel:[/easyazon_link]
  • This awesome invention is activated by wetting it with water, which your hot and sweaty soccer player can get from his water jug! This is perfect for a HOT summer game or tournament.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B001U2FOSA” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Sunscreen[/easyazon_link]:
  • ALWAYS wear and pack sunscreen, regardless of the time of year! We live in South Florida, so sunburns are possible year round.
  • Our son packs a big bottle of [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E0QJCZY” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]NO-AD Sport 50 SPF sunscreen[/easyazon_link] and also their [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TUEIUBI” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]facial stick[/easyazon_link] for a quick reapply before the game starts.
• Cash:
  • We never like to leave our son at the soccer field or at a tournament without having cash available. He keeps $10 in his backpack and some quarters, in case he needs to reach us. (Come to think of it, are there even public payphone available these days?!)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B0007QCQGI” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Backpack[/easyazon_link]:
  • Have one backpack dedicated to soccer, so all the soccer gear can be left in the bag.
  • (But always have the soccer player go through [easyazon_link identifier=”1624144152″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]the check list[/easyazon_link] and confirm that everything is in the backpack before you leave the house!).

Our sunscreen of choice for sports and sweltering South Florida soccer games:

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00E0QJCZY” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]NO-AD Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00TUEIUBI” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]NO-AD Body and Face Stick, SPF 50[/easyazon_link]

 

Why NO-AD Sunscreen?:

• Easy to apply.
• SPF 50, broad spectrum UVA/ UVB protection.
• Sunscreen is Paraben-, PABA-, fragrance and retinyl palmitate-free.
• Water and sweat resistant and non-greasy formula.
• IT WORKS.
  • (Many sunscreens on the market make great claims and fall short on performance. We used this sunscreen all summer without any burns at all.)
• NO-AD Sun Care was introduced in 1962 with the concept of providing consumers with quality sun care products that are twice the size as national brands for the same price – all with “no TV ads”, no hype and no gimmicks.
• NO-AD has been protecting families for generations with great quality products at a great value.
• NO-AD was picked four times as a “Best Buy” for it’s exceptional value and once as a “Recommended” sunscreen for its superior protection.
• In 2016 NO-AD made the news by becoming the first mass sun care brand to go Paraben-Free and Retinyl Palmitate-Free!

Sunscreen application tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:

(For the soccer field and any time you are spending time outside!)

• Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, that is water resistant and provides broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB coverage.
• Apply sunscreen BEFORE going outdoors.
• It takes the skin 15 minutes to absorb sunscreen and offer full protection.
  • (Pro tip: Apply sunscreen BEFORE getting dressed in the soccer uniform, to ensure proper coverage of the exposed skin.)
• Use at least 1 oz. of sunscreen to fully cover exposed areas and rub it into the skin until it is absorbed.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating.
  • (Pro tip: Teach your soccer player to use the Body and Face stick to reapply sunscreen after warm-ups and before the game.)

Where can you buy NO-AD Sunscreen?

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B001U2FOSA” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Amazon[/easyazon_link]
• Most major grocery stores and pharmacies

Check out the [easyazon_link identifier=”1624144152″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day[/easyazon_link] here for more great resources to help keep your child on time – and happy. The tips and advice we found in this book has been a game changer for our busy mornings.

Make your own soccer reminder chart, all you need is:

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B0007UQE80″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Paper[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZI7MI96″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Laminator[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B007VBXB48″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Laminator pouches[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B017JUCQZ0″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Velcro dots[/easyazon_link]
• Template and instructions can be found in the [easyazon_link identifier=”1624144152″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day[/easyazon_link]

Check out these other great resources for soccer moms and soccer dads.

10 Things Every Soccer Mom Must Have on the Sidelines

Travel Soccer Parents, You Need THIS!

20 Healthy Post-Game Snacks