As summer kicks off, so does youth sports tournament season — bringing with it long drives, chaotic hotels, early flights and hot days on the field. Whether it’s your first tournament or your 10th, this guide outlines the best tips to help you stay organized, save money and keep your sanity all weekend long.
What and How to Pack
For outdoor tournaments, it’s important to prepare for long days and all weather on the field.
- Pack extra clothes for you and your kids — sweat, rain and dirt are guaranteed.
- Bring an umbrella for rain or sun.
- In case of rain, trash bags are perfect to cover backpacks. A dry, smelly backpack is bad, but a wet one is even worse.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and hats for everyone.
On the other hand, be sure to layer up for indoor tournaments, air conditioning in gyms can be freezing. A hoodie or light jacket is a must.
Tournament days can be really long and having a place to sit is crucial. Bring folding chairs, bleacher seats, beach chairs, or picnic blankets — anything beats the ground or hard bleachers for all-day events.
We love this portable stadium seat or
This folding chair for the sidelines
What should you keep in your bag? Be prepared on the sidelines with these things on hand:
- Basic First Aid: Bandaids, Neosporin/Cortisone cream
- Mini Pharmacy: Ibuprofen, allergy meds, Tums, cough drops
- Hair ties, a brush, and deodorant
- A portable phone charger. Between taking photos, checking schedules, and texting team chats, your battery will disappear fast
- Paper towels, wipes, and reusable utensils
Other tips for what to pack:
