According to the latest data, approximately 27-28 million kids (ages 6-17) participated in organized sports in the U.S. in 2023 and 2022. One of the key pieces of gear for any sport is the athlete’s sports bag and what’s inside. Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference and help them perform at their best. Below are tips and tricks from befree on what to keep in your sports bag.
- Fuel up before, during and after. Before you even get to the field, make sure your youth athlete drinks the recommended amount of water before taking part in their sport to ensure they are properly hydrated. Then pack a Gatorade, Coconut water lemonade or similar sports drink to help replace electrolytes. It also doesn’t hurt to pack healthy snacks like fruit and granola bars to help keep their sugar levels up.
- The right fit. Of course, your athlete needs his/her gear and uniform to participate in their activity. But before you just toss them into the bag make sure that they fit your child properly. Ill-fitting gear can cause issues while they are playing and can even result in injury. Make sure you are checking the fit of the sports or soccer gear at least once a month, even if your child doesn’t use it. No sense in carrying it around in the bag if it doesn’t work for your child anymore.
- Pack layers. Kids can be fickle when it comes to temperatures. One minute they insist they will be fine with just their shorts or uniform and the next, they are complaining they are too cold. Make sure to pack a sweatshirt or light jacket as well as a pants that they can easily zip on and off without having to completely change clothes or take off their shoes or cleats, like zipOns from befree.
- Have the necessities on hand. There’s nothing like getting to your game and hearing your child say, “I don’t have a hair tie.” And of course, there isn’t one stashed in the car or on your wrist. Make sure to pack extra hair ties and other accessories your child may need in case something like this comes up. It also doesn’t hurt to keep deodorant, sunscreen, bug spray and first aid supplies in the bag as well.
- Keep it clean. Refresh smelly sports bags weekly if possible. Empty them out completely and throw the bag in the wash if possible. Also, make sure to take out old food and drink items to prevent mold issues. As a bonus tip, toss an air freshener or dryer sheets into the bag to help with odor issues.
About befree
befree is dedicated to improving lives by addressing the real, everyday challenges of people living with limited mobility. befree is committed to making adaptive and inclusive fashion that really works. Though clothing is a basic human need, for millions of people with temporary or permanent disabilities, getting dressed can be an ongoing daily hardship. For more information, visit: www.befreeco.com