Status message
It has been almost four months since youth sports have been able to play. As most people have been trapped inside they may be suffering from quarantine brain. The world is beginning to open up and youth sports will be back soon and you might have forgotten what your kids may need for soccer practice.
So instead of forgetting your kids cleats or shin guards when you arrive at the field, here’s a basic checklist of all practice necessities.
1. Cleats
The most important piece of equipment that you can not forget is your kids cleats. If you bought your child a new pair of cleats before quarantine they may still be in great condition, unless your kids foot has grown then you’ll have to invest in a new pair.
2. Shin Guards
A much needed piece of equipment. Although I am convinced shin guards aren’t always protective they are required especially at the youth level with all your little ankle biters.
3. Uniform/Practice Jersey’s
Not all youth teams require kids to wear matching practice gear, but if your team does definitely don’t let your child be the only one in different attire. Plus if you’re child has grown over the past four months you’ll definitely need an upgraded uniform.
4. Soccer Ball
Whatever you do, do not let your child show up to practice without a ball. As kids they enjoy having their own soccer ball and if your coach doesn’t provide them with one sharing isn’t always as beneficial when passing and skill work is being done.
5. Soccer Socks
Do your child a favor and start them looking like soccer players from a young age. As some younger kids like to wear short socks with their strap shin guards this look isn’t really acceptable, although it is tolerated.
6. Water Bottle
The return of youth sports is coming during prime summer time so definitely make sure your child has enough water because now more than ever they will not be sharing with others.
7. Hair Ties (For Girls or Boys with Long Hair)
Make sure to have a few extra hair ties in your child’s soccer bag. If their pony-tail falls out and they lose it or your son’s man bun hair-tie breaks they need to have an extra. Nobody likes running around with hair in their faces.
8. Soccer Bag
The home for all your child’s belongings. Do not forget it. Having a soccer bag is the best way for your child to be organized and make sure they have everything they need.
9. Slides
Obviously everyone is always in a rush after practice to get to places they need to be. When your kid is running through the parking lot or a McDonald’s for a post-practice meal, they are in their cleats which wears the spikes down way faster than usual. To make your child’s cleats have a little more wear time take their cleats off after practice and put a pair of slides, flip flops, sneakers, crocs or just anything other than their cleats.
10. Good Attitude
We know everyone is eager to get back to playing and parents want their kids to be out burning off some bottled up energy so make sure you and your child make the best of every practice. Let the coaches coach and let your child play.
Hopefully these few tips will help remind you what your child needs for soccer practice. Take them as you please and add on whatever else you may feel is necessary. Happy kicking!
