Soccer season has started! And while that may not be a miraculous event for most of the world, this season marks the FIRST round of soccer for Red. And I am really excited to see the clustered mob of five year olds orbiting around a soccer ball as they roll it from one side of the field to the other. Red is elated to wear his soccer shirt and be kicking the ball at all, regardless if he’s kicking it in the right direction, or doing anything more than running after the mob.
But I’m still so happy for him. Chase and I try desperately not to coach him from the sidelines, but just to make sure he’s paying attention and helping his team mates (thank goodness for colored shirts, because I’m not sure he knows a single one of their names yet!). But look at that little guy. He’s so excited.
And, of course, when you become a soccer parent, you then fall into the soccer routine. Practice, games, cleats and snacks!! I signed myself up for the first game of the season, and last Saturday brought snack and drinks for our team of eight. I actually had a few other parents ask me exactly what they were supposed to bring for snacks. “Am I supposed to bring a pizza, or something? I have no idea what I’m doing!” In that instant I took for granted what little team sports I played when I was young (I was more artistic than athletic). I knew exactly what to bring and how to switch it up, so I offered her some suggestions.
Of course, each player brings a water bottle with them to practice and games, so something like a juice box, kool-aid or other drinkable is a nice change for the end of the game. For a snack, replacing sugars and other nutrients while staying away from candy was important to me, so I brought fruit leather and little tangerines. I made sure to ask about any team allergies beforehand (gluten, nuts, dairy, etc) so I knew what was off limits.
What you might not see in the photo is a trash bag for all the rinds and trash (the girl scout in me in always prepared!) as well as wet diaper wipes for sticky/dirty hands. The table was one Chase and I had when we were tailgating at UGA, so it was an easy thing to bring along and set up – it made lining up for snack WAY easier than bombarding a cooler and tote bag! Need some more ideas for sports snacks?
Rice Krispie Treats
Halos, or any individual fruits like apples, bananas, pineapple slices, pears, etc.
Granola Bars
Fruit Snacks
Crackers: Cheddar Bunnies, Animal Crackers, etc. (either individual baggies or scooped into small paper cups)
End of the season soccer snack treats! Lollipops, mini cupcakes or cookies to celebrate the game.
Mini water bottles or juice boxes (don’t forget to recycle!)
*Bring a trash bag, wipes or napkins as well as stake out a little area for the kids to come and grab what they would like. I brought a little extra for teammate siblings; there were lots of little kids wanting to have a snack, too!
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Tangerines are an awesome snack. My son always brings a couple of cuties with him to karate class!
You gave some great ideas. I know you said it was for soccer but my two sisters call this a car picnic… great ideas for when you can just stop and eat in a park too.
It’s so important to remember that snacks should be healthy, especially when the kids are being active. They need energy sustaining snacks that will fuel them, not just give them a sugar high for a few minutes.
Individual fruits are a great idea. I have been to some soccer tournaments for my friend’s kids and the kids get really excited over Halos and other little oranges!
Whenever my kids go for practice, I make sure I bring along healthy snacks for them. It’s a great way to keep them powered up while they’re running around.
These are definitely some of the best ideas. I like the idea of bringing apples and peelable mandarins oranges.
These are great ideas. I also like freezing grapes and putting them in snack bags. Pretzels too!
The selections of good snack items in your picture look so tasty! I want to say thank you on behalf of all the moms who appreciate your bringing extras for the team siblings. It’s hard to explain to brothers and sisters why just the player gets the goodies.
Great things to take. I can’t believe it is that time of year again.
That’s a great tip to bring a trash bag and napkins. When I used to bring snacks for my daughter’s swim team I always used to forget about those, making clean-up more difficult.
We’re a martial arts family, but we still need plenty of pre-practice snacks.
Love your tailgating table!
These are all great snacks for soccer. I used to bring oranges to the games for the kids.
Great tips. I use to struggle with this but these are great ideas. Thank you!
Wow, this is very impressive.
Even though only first time soccer parents, you have your stuff together!
Fruit is always a good idea especially when its nice and cold after a great game! You are uber prepared for this great tips!
Growing up my mom was the soccer mom and oranges were a big hit. I was always looking forward to being the soccer mom and this year my kids refused to play. No oranges for the team. I’ll try again next year. lol
Looks like you have the soccer snack game on point!
Grea tios! When you say healthy snacks, what suggestions do you have.
Fruit is always #1, but also protein bars, Zbars, granola, or mini PB&J sandwich strips. Always be sure to ask about allergies.