What to Pack in Your Sports Bag: A Checklist for Young Athletes

Any Boy Scout will tell you how important it is to be prepared. When it comes to scouting, preparation involves a pocket knife, fishing wire, or a book of matches. And while being prepared in sports is a little different, it’s no less important. Depending on which sport they play, kids will sometimes need a whole host of uniform elements or equipment. Whether your kid is heading to practice, a game, or a tournament, having the right gear in their sports bag is essential.

Because of the sheer amount of equipment that might be needed for any given game, packing efficiently is vital for parents and young athletes alike. Learning how to pack the right equipment will also ensure that your kid can perform at their best while also keeping them organized and stress-free. In this article, we will provide parents with a comprehensive checklist of what to pack in their kids sports bag. We will also include a multitude of tips and tricks to help young athletes get ready for their sporting events.

Why Packing Your Sports Bag Matters

If you have kids, then you know that packing to go anywhere with them has been a lifelong exercise in bringing way too much “just in case.” Fortunately, a sports bag is a bit different than a diaper or overnight bag. Nevertheless, while sports packing may seem like a simple task, it’s a vital one that needs to be done properly. Proper packing plays a significant role in your child’s overall sports experience, and your own, quite frankly. Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to pack their sports bag correctly:

Preparedness

When a kid is prepared, they are more likely to feel confident and ready to perform. Having everything they need, allows them to focus on their skills, goals, and teamwork rather than worrying about what items you or they may have forgotten back at home.

Organization

Organization is key here. An organized brain is an efficient one, and having a well-packed bag helps keep your child mentally and physically organized. A proper bag should have designated spaces for each item, so that your child can easily find what they need when they need it. Not only does this save time, it reduces stress on game day.

Safety and Comfort

Safety should be paramount on the sports field and some items are essential for maintaining your child’s safety during the match or practice. Certain items, such as protective gear and hydration supplies, are crucial for young athletes. These items keep kids safe and comfortable while playing and having these items on hand can help prevent injuries. Water bottles are also sports safety essentials, as they ensure children are well-hydrated and energized.

Building Responsibility

Parents should help pack their child’s sports bag to make sure they get it right, but they shouldn’t do it all themselves. Having your child packing their own bag is a great way to teach them personal responsibility. Proper packing teaches young athletes to take charge of their gear and understand what they need to succeed in your sport. This skill will wind up serving them well in many areas of their life to come.

The Essential Packing Checklist

To help you and your young athlete pack efficiently, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist that covers the essentials. It’s broken up into sections, which cover the necessities and how they can be used for various sports. Please note that, depending on your specific sport, some items may vary, but the following categories should still serve as a helpful guide for any young athlete.

Clothing Essentials

They say that in the fashion world, clothes make the man (or woman) and the same is true in sports. Proper attire is crucial for any athlete. Here’s what a good athlete should have in their pack:

• Athletic Shirt: Athletes should choose a shirt made of moisture-wicking material to keep them dry and comfortable during activity.
• Shorts or Pants: Depending on the sport your child plays, you should pack appropriate bottoms that allow for ease of movement.
• Sports Bra (if applicable): Make sure that any sports bras or underclothing fits well and offers the necessary support. Your young athlete can usually check this for themselves.
• Socks: Lt. Dan was not wrong when he said to “change your socks,” proper foot hygiene is a must for young athletes. Be sure to pack a couple of pairs of athletic socks to ensure that your kid has a clean pair for each practice or game.
• Warm-Up Jacket or Hoodie: In the colder months, a good jacket or windbreaker is essential for staying warm during warm-ups or whilst sitting on the bench.
• Hat or Headband: If the weather is particularly sunny, a proper hat can provide shade, while a headband can help keep sweat out of your young athletes eyes.

Footwear

Choosing the right shoes for your young athlete is vital for performance and safety. Certain sports require certain shoes, so be mindful of the necessary footwear for any given sport. Make sure to pack:

• Sport-Specific Shoes: Each sport has different shoes designed to provide the best support and traction. For example, basketball shoes have a different sole than soccer cleats. Make sure you pack the right shoe for the right sport, especially if your kid is involved in multiple sports.
• Flip-Flops or Slides: Flip flops or easy to slide on sandals are useful for wearing in the locker room or after games. They help feet breathe once they are out of constricting shoes and can be used to protect them from harmful bacteria while walking around in the locker room.

Protective Gear

As stated earlier, safety should always come first. Each sport necessitates different protective equipment, especially the high impact ones. Depending on your child’s chosen sport, be sure to include:

• Shin Guards: Soccer players wear shin guards to protect their shins from impact like kicks and slides.
• Knee Pads or Elbow Pads: Volleyball and basketball players often wear knee and/or elbow pads to protect their joints.
• Helmet: Football, cycling, and hockey players are all required to wear a helmet during games.
• Mouthguard: Protecting your kid’s teeth and gums in the midst of contact sports can save you and them some serious pain and financial struggle down the line. Protect those smiles guys!

Sports Equipment

Every sport requires specific equipment in order to play. Here’s a general idea of what your kid might need:

• Ball: Sure, some teams or leagues might provide them, but be sure to ack the correct type of ball for your sport (soccer ball, basketball, football, etc.).
• Racket: If your kid plays tennis, badminton, or another racket sport, don’t forget to bring their racket and any extra strings.
• Stick: Sports like field hockey or lacrosse, require different sticks to play. Don’t let your kid forget to throw it in the car.
• Water Bottle: Like we said, making sure your kid stays hydrated is crucial. A reusable water bottle filled with water or a sports drink is perfect for this and it can be refilled.
• Towel: Many athletes pack a small towel for wiping off sweat during practice or games. Not only can this be handy, it might be necessary if your kid is going through puberty. Teenagers sweat profusely!

Personal Items

Make sure that your kid packs any personal items they might need. These items don’t do much for their game, but contribute to their comfort and well-being:

• Sunscreen: These days, wearing sunscreen is essential. Protect your child’s skin from harmful UV rays, when they are playing outdoors by bringing a reasonable SPF.
• Insect Repellent: West Nile Virus and Zika are back these days, so it’s important to protect from bug bites during the warmer months. Ticks also love to hang around grassy area, so keep some bug spray handy and always double check your clothes after a game.
• First Aid Kit: Accidents happen. Packing a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief can be helpful in case of minor injuries.
• Snacks: Healthy snacks like granola bars, fruits, or nuts can provide a quick energy boost for kids before or after a game.
• Personal Hygiene Items: As with the towel above, teenage athletes might need a bit of help practicing good hygiene. Always pack some deodorant, a hairbrush or comb, and any other personal care products they may need to stay fresh after a sweaty game.

Homework and Study Supplies

Keeping a good balance between school and sports is essential for young athletes. To that end, it’s a good idea for parents to include some academic supplies in their sports bag or backpack:

• Homework or Books: If your child has homework to complete and some downtime during practice, remind them to pack their assignments and any necessary books.
• Writing Supplies: Don’t forget to have them bring a pen, pencil, or highlighter for note-taking or completing assignments. If they “forget” any of this, maybe bring one or two along in your own pocketbook or glove compartment.

Fun Items

Sports should be enjoyable but meets are sometimes long. It might be helpful to consider packing a few fun items to help your kid relax and unwind in the moments in between.

• Book or Magazine: Reading material is great for keeping the mind occupied during downtime or after games.
• Music Player or Headphones: Music is a great way to get your kid pumped up before a game or to help them wind down and relax afterwards.

Packing Tips for Young Athletes

Now that you have a comprehensive checklist, here are some additional tips that parents can impart when helping kids pack their sports bag most effectively:

Pack the Night Before

Don’t procrastinate and don’t let them do it either. Avoid last-minute stress by helping your kid pack their bag the night before the practice or game. This way, you can double-check their list and ensure that they haven’t forgotten anything. Have them check it first, though, just to get them used to doing it without you.

Use Packing Cubes or Pouches

Organizing your kid’s gear into packing cubes or pouches can make it easier to find specific items when they are in a hurry. For example, if your bag has three different sections, you can keep their clothing in one pouch, personal items in another, and sports equipment in a separate section.

Label Your Gear

Labeling clothing, equipment, and personal items is a great way to ensure it doesn’t get lost or misplaced,. Kids are notoriously forgetful and might not even realize they left something behind or took someone’s item home accidentally. Labeling it will make sure that it returns home if someone happens upon it. This is particularly helpful for items that are commonly shared, like water bottles or towels.

Check the Weather

Before you pack your kid’s sports bag, check the weather forecast for the day. If it’s going to be hot or rainy, adjust your packing accordingly. Don’t forget to add sunscreen, bug spray, or an umbrella if necessary.

Create a Checklist

It’s always helpful to have a physical checklist that you and your kid can check before zipping up the bag. Print out the checklist and keep it inside your kid’s bag so that they can refer to it each time they pack. Eventually, they won’t even need you to help anymore.

Cultured Athlete Says…

Packing their sports bag with everything they need is an essential skill for young athletes. This skill goes beyond just having the right gear for the sport, however. Proper packing teaches responsibility, organization, and preparedness—all vital qualities for success later in life. By following the comprehensive checklist and packing tips outlined in this article, parents and their young athletes can feel confident and ready to begin the process themselves.

Remember, the journey in sports is not just about competition; it’s about learning and growing as a person. Sure, it’s also about having fun and creating lasting memories, but those memories will be so much more meaningful if they are also impressing life lessons onto your kids. So, the next time your kid goes to pack their sports bag, remind them to embrace the process and enjoy the adventure that lies ahead.