How to Get Your Child Ready for a Soccer Game

Take a tip from the top. All good athletes learn the importance of proper preparation before they play. There's a lot you can do to prepare your child for a soccer game.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Soccer Apparel
• Soccer Cleats
• Soccer Shin Guards
• Soccer Uniforms
• Water Bottles
• Soccer Videos
• soccer balls

1. Dress your child appropriately. Players should wear properly fitting soccer gear.

2. Dress your child completely. Do not arrive to play with shin guards flapping or shirt that is not tucked in.

3. Provide layers in cooler weather. Players should arrive with long pants over their shorts and should wear turtlenecks under their jerseys.

4. Take off all jewelry, including watches and hair clips. This is a youth soccer safety regulation.

5. Slather on sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun can break through.

6. Arrive at games or practice early or on time.

7. Make sure your child has eaten a good meal one to two hours before playing. Include fluids for proper hydration.

8. Take your child to the bathroom before playing. Players of all ages, especially if they are nervous, sometimes need to be reminded.

9. Fill a large water bottle no matter what the weather.

10. Bring a ball, if required by the team.

11. Make sure your child is properly warmed up before playing.

Tips & Warnings

• Have players drink fluids. Children should be given fluids right before playing no matter what the weather. Active players should drink 16 to 20 oz. immediately before (and after) playing.
• Observe the warm-up. To perform effectively and safely, muscles must be sufficiently warmed up.
• Make sure the coach has your child stretch before playing.
• Specialize for goalkeepers. Their warm-up should incorporate all of their skills.
• Approach a coach if you notice your child is not being properly warmed up to play. Discuss the subject in a supportive fashion; don't make it sound like you're telling the coach what to do.
• Double knot shoelaces. Nothing is worse - or more common - than seeing children's flapping laces midstride.
• Mark your child's name on his or her soccer and water bottle.
• Prepare your child emotionally. Particularly for young children and beginners, discuss what will happen when they play.

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on 8/15/2006 If the weather is going to be really hot, have your child start drinking water hours before the game, even the night before a morning game. If they only start putting in extra water during exercise, it may be too late.

on 11/22/2005 I have found that the best meal the night before a game (for any child) is a nice big plate of pasta and meatballs! That will give them plenty of energy for the next 24 hours or so. Also, encourage them to stretch and run before they go out on the pitch that morning. I would encourage an energy bar and water or an energy drink on the morning of game day. A big breakfast will end up on the pitch 9 out of 10 times. Soccer bags with bottle pouches are best for keeping their bottles safe from illness among the children. The name on the bottle is basically meaningless when they come off the pitch after a good run, tired and thirsty. They will grab the first bottle they see! Most of all, the mental talks before the game should stress alertness and anticipation of what might happen next. Blinkers are great for horses, not for soccer players! :)