15 Bag Essentials for Kids After-School Sports

Thank you BODYARMOR Sports drink for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are 100% my own.

School has started and it is such a busy time of year for both kids and parents as they get used to all the new responsibilities and activities!  My kids started a new school this year plus now have weekly practices after-school for Karate, Ballet and Pee Wee Cheer!  I always keep an easy to stuff, store and grab bag packed for them to make my life easier and also because I want to make sure they have everything they might need.  So whether your kiddos are involved in football, soccer or the drama club after-school make sure you pack their bag for practices with these 15 essentials.

Change of Clothes

Your kids might want to change after practice into their clean and dry clothes before they enter the car.  Also you never know what will happen or when you will need a change of clothes.  If you kiddo falls, gets stuck in the rain or accidentally spills their whole drink on themselves, they will appreciate a change of clothes.

Hat or Sunglasses

This applies especially if your kids practice is outside!  Remember no matter what time of year those UV ways are kicking and these items will help block the sun from your kiddos eyes.  You don’t want them to get blinded by the sun and miss an important kick do you?  Some sports don’t allow sunglasses but hats are usually okay.  Give you kiddos eyes and break and pack them just in case.

Shoes

Many types of sports like soccer, football and ballet require special shoes and they are not good to wear for street shoes.  Pack these type of shoes in their bag and send them with regular shoes to the practice.  They will be able to change into their shoes once they get there.

Sunscreen and Bug Spray

A must have for outdoor practices no matter the time of year.  Always apply sunscreen to your child before they dress for practice and they can reapply as needed during.  Make sure you send something easy for them to use like a spray and try to get sweat-proof.  If you live in an area where pesky bugs are common, bring the bug spray too!

Hair Ties

If you girl (or guy) has long hair, a hair tie is a must!  You don’t want hair getting in their face, eyes or mouth and distracting their practice!  Plus if they sweat, this will help keep it out of their hair.  I always put a few in the bag because they are known to break or get lost quite frequently.

Drinks

Kids need to stay hydrated at practice because they will be burning tons of calories!  They will sweat (a lot) and loose tons of valuable nutrients that needs to be put back in.  Pack them a drink!  Even if your team provides a water cooler, it is always best to bring your own drink.  I love packing them BODYARMOR Sports Drink because it provides superior hydration and contains only ​natural flavors and sweeteners, with no colors from artificial sources!  I want my little ones firing on all cylinders for practice so it is important to me to send them with a premium drink and not just water.  BODYARMOR Sports Drink has less sodium and less sugar than both Gatorade and Powerade and includes potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins so my kids will be at their best.  Make sure you check below for an awesome $4 savings coupon on BODYARMOR Sports Drink.

Hand Towel

Nothing worse than your kids dripping with sweat and not having a towel to wipe themselves off!  Make sure you pack them something because you don’t want them using someone’s sweaty towels!  Plus towels are great to sit on when they are taking a break on the bleachers or ground.

Equipment

Each sport is different and has different requirements for practices.  Football players will need shoulder pads and soccer players will have shin guards!  Whatever their sport is make sure you pack all the equipment the coach has requested.  It might be available at the practice so you don’t have to bring yours but you will want to check first to make sure.

Cooler

Need a place to keep your drinks cool and store your snacks, right?  Something small, insulated and with a strap is great especially if their practice is long and outside.  If you don’t have a cooler, you can always spring for an insulated stainless steel water bottle!  They are reusable and will keep your drink or ice cold for hours, even in the hot sun!

Snack

Load them up with protein and healthy snacks before practice especially if it is after school since your little one is bound to be hungry and need extra calories!  Make sure it is something light though since they will be running and you don’t want an upset tummy.  Long practices will stop to take breaks to let the kids eat and it’s always good to have in case your kiddo gets lightheaded.

Spare Change

You never know when they will need to loan a friend some change, grab something from the vending machine or when the ice cream truck might pull up after practice.  Make sure they have $1-3 available to them in the pocket section or zip-lock baggy in their bag at all times.  My kids are little so I even put in emergency contact numbers in there too.

Tissues or Wet Wipes

Kids get messy especially at practice.  You packed a towel already, yes, but this is more for runny or bloody noses, cuts and scrapes or dirty hands.  Think of all the germs lurking around a locker room or practice field, believe me, your kids will need to wipe their hands or faces at some point during practice.

First Aid Kit

Most practice spots and coaches will make sure they have their own first aid kit available to your kids but believe it or not, I have seen many a practice where they didn’t.  Better to be safe than sorry and pack a few adhesive bandages, Neosporin, gauze and cotton balls for your kiddos just in case they get a cut or bloody nose at practice.

Lip Balm

Lips can get dry and chapped if practice is outside and its hot, dry or windy.  Pick up a lip balm with SPF in it to protect their lips from the sun.  Your kids will thank you!

Deodorant

A must have for puberty age kids especially if they are known to sweat.  They can apply during practice if they need to or after practice before they get in the car with you.  If you have stinky adolescent boys than you know what I am talking about!

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*****This is a pretty basic list if 15 essentials to pack, always make sure you check with your team, league and/or coach as there might be specific requirements.****

Elizabeth Hurt

Mom/ CEO of Household | Admin@momalwaysknows.com | Website

The MOM behind Mom Always Knows. Inspired by a long line of other Moms who always knew better.  I am a super Mom, just like you, juggling everything life throws this way. I love God first and foremost, am happily married and raising 2 beautiful and headstrong little girls ages 9 and 10 who will often be the inspirations of my blog.  I am passionate about all of the topics you’ll find here but most of all being a Mom and everything to do with MOM.  Thanks for partnering with us the last 5 years, it has been a great ride!