When it comes to having things handy a well packed soccer bag will go a long way! There’s nothing worse than getting to the field and realizing you forgot your shin guards or looking down at your feet and noticing you’re still wearing your crocs and forgot your soccer cleats-both are true stories…so, we will cover the top items to pack in your soccer bag.

Soccer Ball

A soccer ball is essential for drills and practice. I usually have a few packed in my wagon, but if your child has a favorite ball they prefer it’s important to get their soccer ball packed away in their soccer bag. Having your own ball means you’ll be able to practice as soon as you hit the field.

Water Bottle

Step outside in Houston, Texas and you’ll immediately start sweating! A good water bottle is essential to make sure you’re able to stay hydrated during the hot days. Hydration is key to maintaining performance and health. A stainless-steel water bottle helps keep drinks a little colder, so your ice doesn’t melt as soon as you hit the field.

Shin Guards

Shin guards help keep your little one’s shins safe from a ball or an accidental kick to the shin, and are almost just as important as a soccer ball, but are sometimes left behind. Having a backup pair in your child’s soccer bag, may help in those times when they are accidently left behind.

Cleats

Cleats are another top priority item. Cleats help provide great traction on the field and allow for better mobility. A good pair of cleats will help improve performance and prevent injuries. Sometimes cleats can have some mud or grass stuck on them, so a plastic bag helps to protect the inside of the soccer bag getting dirty.

Socks

Socks act as another layer of support to shins and go over your child’s shin guards. Socks also provide comfort and help keep kids’ feet dry. A backup pair of socks is great if your kid wants to change after playing in Houston’s hot weather.

Towel

If you’ve lived in Houston, Texas, you know just how unpredictable the weather is. One minute the sun is shining and the next a hailstorm is coming down. Having a towel can help in either situation; it can be beneficial after a hot practice to wipe your kid down or after a rainy practice to dry yourself off.

Snacks

After running around and practicing drills with a soccer ball, your child is bound to build up an appetite. A few snacks and a Gatorade or other hydrating drink are great to have packed away to ensure your child has something to snack on after their time on the field.

First aid kit

Simple first aid kits are great to have packed away for any small injuries. Basic supplies to keep in your first aid kit are: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tape for minor injuries. Hand sanitizer is also great to have handy to keep hands clean.

Sunscreen/bug spray

Sunscreen and bug spray are a must in the summer months. Since most soccer lessons are outdoors, it’s important to protect your child from sun exposure and bugs. Applying sunscreen and bug spray before practice and games, and reapplying it as needed, is a simple but effective way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects and prevent bug bites.

Extra set of clothing

An extra set of clothing is helpful in case anything happens, and your child would like to change clothes. I like to pack an extra set of clothes, just in case we forget something. After practice, my son likes to change into his crocs, so we usually have those packed in his soccer bag.

Let’s Go(al)

With all the items listed above, your soccer bag will be in great shape and your child will be ready to hit the field. You can rest assured knowing you have all the essentials needed and on hand in their soccer bag.

10 Things to Keep in your Soccer Bag