Sports Mom Essentials: What You Need for Youth Sports

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Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by The Smetz Files

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What can I say, I’m in my sports mom era!

When we arrived at our first travel ball tournament I surveyed the mega SUVs and trucks that filled the parking lot and knew before stepping out of the car we weren’t in Kansas anymore. Throngs of families loaded all their gear into elaborately stacked wagons and set up camp for a day of cheering on their young athletes. Youth sports is a sight to behold!

If you’re a seasoned sports mom, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’re new to the world of youth sports, welcome!

Here are some of the sports mom essentials you’ll want to have on hand to make your day, weekend, and season more comfortable!

Sports Mom Starter Pack

To be frank, you want to plan for all contingencies! So, here’s an initial list to get you going. I’ll continue to update, don’t forget to share your must haves so I can pass it along to fellow sports moms!

Tumbler

Not only does your athlete need to stay hydrated, so do you! Try these cute and colorful 20oz Stanley tumblers twin packs at Target. Fill one with ice to use to replenish if you’re playing a triple header.

Chair

If you’re spending the day at the ball field you need a comfy chair. Those bleachers are tough on the sit bones, so at least get settled in one of these that fold and pack easily.

Tent

Speaking of packing easily, invest in a pop up tent to minimize the sweltering rays on those sunny days at the field. Hopefully your fellow team families will move your tent city from field to field as you play throughout the day. These are also great to keep your athletes out of the elements between games.

Fan

If you’re playing outdoor sports in the spring and summer months, a battery powered fan is a nice addition. I loved these so much we’ve acquired three! Gotta have the breeze flowing from multiple directions!

Fleece

As warm as the midday games can be, when the sun goes down don’t forget a nice fleece to throw over your shoulders to keep the chill at bay. I always keep a hoodie in the car because often restaurants are cold when we stop for a team meal on the road.

Wagon

Finally, are you even a legitimate sports mom if you don’t have the obligatory wagon to carry all your gear? Here’s an option, but recently I’ve seen some families rocking a double decker wagon to carry all their essentials like a good pack mule.

Of course there’s snacks and sunnies, but that’s a whole other post! Don’t forget a cute hat! What are your game day must-haves? Let me know and I can add your suggestions to future posts.

Read more of my sports mom adventures on the blog and follow along on social media so you don’t miss a moment!

If you’re looking to ditch the athleisure wear and are in search of something fancy and festive, check out this post with some of my favorite holiday looks!

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