Surprisingly Useful Gear That Every Player Needs

Young athletes feel better – and play better – when they have what they need for practices and games. Cleats and uniforms are a no-brainer. But are there magical items that prevent a meltdown – either physical or mental – on a hot soccer, baseball or lacrosse field?

We talked to players who have participated in years of rec, club and high school sports and the parents who have schlepped those players – plus equipment, chairs, dogs and snacks – to every field, diamond, and gym in a five-county radius. Here are their picks for the kind of useful gear that ensures each sports season is better than the next.

A giant water jug

Little athletes can never have too much water. And sometimes refilling a water bottle at practice isn’t possible. Don’t waste your time with slim water bottles. Go big or go home! Large insulated water jugs hold a gallon of cold water. Perfect for hot days and intense rivalries. 

A really good gear bag

If you’ve never searched frantically for a shin guard/jersey/mouthguard/glove 1 minute before you need to leave the house, please teach us your ways of raising organized children. For the rest of us, a good bag keeps everything together in one place. Soccer bags hold balls, baseball bags hold bats and helmets. You get the idea. Now all your kid has to remember is where they put that bag… 

A cooling towel

When these magical fabric rectangles are run under water and wrung out, they feel cool to the touch – like a refreshing waterfall cascading across your neck. It might be just the thing your kiddo needs to stay energized on a hot day.  

Hydrogel packs 

Cleats usually need a week or two to break in. Until then, kids’ feet pay the price. Blister management is key in all sports. These hydrogel packs – held in place with adhesive tape – provide a nice cushion between sore skin and tight cleats. 

Pre-wrap

Short of scoring for you, there’s nothing pre wrap athletic tape can’t do! It’s a headband to hold back loose hairs. It’s a base layer to prevent chafing and skin irritation. Wrap it around shin guards or other equipment to hold everything in place. And the best part of pre wrap? It comes in every color of the rainbow! 

Instant cold packs

Of course, we all wish sports could be forever injury-free. Realistically, it’s better to be prepared. Throwing a couple of instant cold packs in your kid’s gear bag is easy and smart. You’ll be surprised how often they come in handy. After a squeeze and pop, these ice packs stop swelling – and often tears.

Sunblock

Any sport that is played outside comes with a heaping side of sunshine. That’s one of the things we all love about playing on a field, until the season’s first sunburn. Remember – sunblock is your friend. Whether you prefer stick, spray, gel or cream, make sure your player always has some easily accessible.   

Slides 

Nothing wears cleats down faster like traipsing across parking lots. For those times when

the team grabs ice cream after a game or you’re running errands on the way home from practice, have your little baller keep a pair of slides in their bag for a quick change after playing. They’re lightweight, extra comfy and easily worn over socks.