Are you a soccer household like we are? My oldest has been playing soccer for 5 years and my youngest is now on her second. Both love it and are pretty good at it too! Now that my oldest has lots of practices, games and tournaments, we invested in a good bag to keep all of her gear ready and easily accessible. What does she carry in her bag? I’ve gathered up some of our soccer bag essentials so that you too can be game ready everyday!
Besides for some quality cleats and shin guards, there is more that your little Beckham or Solo in training needs to be sure they can be ready to play at a moments notice. In our bag, we always carry certain things:
The bag
The number one essential is obviously the bag. There are so many bags around to choose from, from a duffle bag style to a backpack style- and some teams even have matching ones. Pick the right one for you, but I would suggest getting one with a separate compartment for their cleats for when it’s messy, and we always keep a pair of slides in there if she wants to switch out of her shin pads after her game or practice.
The right socks
Quality socks are a must when playing soccer. You’ll want ones that are made out of breathable materials that can stretch when pulling over shin pads but also ones that are quality made and won’t unravel after a few uses. Of course you’ll have your solid color ones for game day, but for practices, why not get some fun and funky ones? One of our favorite places to get new socks is from Factor.
Factor is a small business that has been making quality and super fun soccer socks for a few years and is based out of California. They have all sorts of patterns from “Aloha” (above), “Rainbow” (below), to funkier patterns like “on fire”, “shark bite” or “stash”. These socks aren’t just pretty but they are constructed in a way that are really styled for play. They have stay up ribbing so they won’t sloth during play, cooling wicking to keep active feel cool and dry, and compression around the ankle and foot arch so they are supportive too.
They come in boys and girl patters and can fit up to adults. My girls both wear a small and they are perfect for my daughter who plays u10 and a little big on my kindergartener, but she’ll grow into them! Factor socks are the best socks in our opinion, check them out on their site to order, and on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
A Ball, of course!
Be sure you are giving your child the right sized ball for their age and as your kids get older and more competitive, don’t buy the cheapest ones. They will just wear out faster. We actually carry two balls (and a few extra) in the car, just in case!
Ball pump
Most coaches will have one ready, but it doesn’t hurt to have one for yourself. When your kids are old enough, teach them how to use it too so you don’t have to pump up their ball every other week!
Goalie gloves
If your child likes to plat goalie, getting their own pair of goalie gloves is very important. You want their gloves to be comfortable and fit their own hands the right way so they aren’t getting distracted by ill fitting gloves during a game. These gloves vary in price, so ask your child’s coach or a pro at the soccer store what are best for your child!
Hair wraps
These hair wraps
are a MUST if you have daughters playing. No headband would ever keep my girl’s thin and whispy hair out of their faces but these do. You can get them online or at any soccer supply store. They are GREAT!!
Extra ponies, chapstick
Just a good thing to have, just in case!
Snack and water
My daughter loves her Camelbak water bottle
and says is the “best”, so I trust her! Whatever you choose, be sure to pick a water bottle that they can drink out of fast but will also keep their drinks cold too. I like to throw a few granola bars in there too, just in case she gets hungry after a game.
Well there are my soccer bag essentials from a 5 year soccer mom vet. Depending on the time of year, we also have a zipper up sweatshirt in there too, so she can take it off if she gets hot but it’s easy to put on in a rush.
Omgosh I’m in love with those factor sox!!!! My son would love love love those!!! Super affordable! I can’t decide which pair, but thinking the skeleton ones are neat!!