Sport Essentials :Preparing Your Kids to Play Soccer in Fall and Winter

Soccer is a popular sport and the soccer season usually lasts from August to December, with leagues starting in mid-February and continuing through the end of April or early May. Your youngsters are ready to take the field, but do they have everything they need to start the soccer season? Now comes the fun part: buying all the gear to help your soccer star succeed. From rain and cold temperatures to scraped knees and frostbite, a well-stocked soccer bag should have the essentials for any situation. So, before the game starts, learn more about the risks youth athletes face and 10 tips to keep them warm and safe.

 

Eat a well-balanced diet

The body is better able to cope with the cold if it is properly fueled. Provide nutritious, energy-packed meals for your young athlete - include lean protein at every meal and snack: chicken, turkey, pork or beef tenderloin, fish, canned tuna, refried beans, deli meats, hummus peanut butter, nuts and seeds. Choose more complex carbohydrates: sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and quinoa.

 

Dress in Layers

Before heading to your child's practice or game, check the weather forecast. Outdoor soccer games can be cold, especially if it's raining. It's always good to have an outer layer on hand that is chosen to be waterproof and windproof to prevent heat loss. Your child will sweat during soccer practices and games; choose a thin fabric as a base layer to wick away moisture and add comfort. Then, use fleece or other natural fibers as a middle layer to ward off the cold. Carry at least one extra shirt, a pair of shorts and socks in your backpack. These can come in handy on particularly wet days at practice or during rainy outdoor games and tournaments. Wearing wet clothing for too long should be avoided as it can lead to chafing and blisters. Depending on how often your child plays soccer, it may also be useful to have an extra pair of shoes on hand.

Wear comfortable cleats

Cleats are designed for the sport in order to give your soccer player the necessary support and traction during the game. When your child is playing in an organized league, you may need soccer-specific shoes. However, it is important to note that concrete and other hard surfaces can cause soccer cleats to wear out, and indoor soccer cleats should only be worn on indoor turf so that they are not contaminated by the debris outside and the cleats will last longer.

 

Wear the required safety equipment

When playing in cold weather, safety equipment is more important than ever because reaction times can be slow. Especially when it comes to head injuries, it's important to make sure your child is properly equipped with lightweight, sturdy head protection, shin guards and any other protective clothing they'll need during the sport before they hit the field.

Invest a portable heated blanket

When winter comes, parents and children who spend all day on the court will always be outside and cold, an portable heated blanket may become lifesaver. The blanket is generally waterproof and windproof, can withstand bad weather, while the inside of the fleece provides warmth. It folds up easily and can be put back in the pouch. It's light enough to carry around. The blanket will also come with a small pocket to carry a battery pack. The temperature can be adjusted by simply using the buttons on the blanket. Choose the right size and this blanket will cover you completely, whether you are sitting in a chair while watching the game or using it to provide warmth during your little athlete's halftime break.

Bring a soccer bag

If you plan to attend any overnight away games, tournaments or camps, bring multiple oversized zipper lock bags for things you want to keep dry in your child's soccer bag. This can include emergency contact information, home and away team uniforms, etc. Choose an insulated water bottle to keep your aspiring superstar's water warm throughout the game. Also. Remember to bring extra hair ties/headbands, small towels, first aid kit, 2+ garbage bags (for any muddy clothes or shoes and to sit on in the car), knee/elbow bandages, bug bite/sting first aid, protein bars or other healthy snacks. Check these youth soccer essentials off your list and get your child ready for a fun, well-prepared soccer season.

Conclusion

With your soccer equipment checklist and an understanding of how to select various pieces of assistance equipment, you can get your little soccer star ready for the upcoming season and will be well protected. Also get professional advice on equipment selection from a soccer coach if necessary, or browse the vast selection of online soccer equipment to find the necessary equipment your little one needs. Most importantly, let your kids learn to enjoy the game! Point out all the things they are learning and improving on, let them have fun, and maybe they will be the next David Beckham.