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I have been a true soccer mom for over 12 years now. By “true” I mean unlike the definition that you will find if you punch in “define soccer mom” into your swagbucks search engine, I am not simply busing my children to any activity in my SUV, but am actually sitting at the soccer fields watching soccer games night after night from August to March (my kids play indoor soccer when the weather turns cold).
Over the years I have discovered 10 items that can make all that time spent watching games a lot more enjoyable.
Please note those pictured below are not exact models of what I have since I bought most of my stuff 12 years ago. Also, a lot of these items can be purchased on sale and a few second hand to keep costs low.
1. A good easily collapsible camp chair
I often joke with friends that the most sat-in chair I own is not in my house but stored in the back of my SUV. I spend sometimes as much as 8 hours a week sitting in my camp chair.
You can get really fancy chairs with shade and rain protection, as well as pockets to store your books and other items. All those things are nice bonuses to have if you can afford the extra price tag that comes with them but at the very least make sure yours has a cup holder and collapses easily.
2. A Sports Umbrella
Whether you need it for sun or rain protection I would not leave for a game without a sports umbrella. These umbrellas are wider and stronger than your average umbrella, which helps you stay drier.
3. Travel Blanket
Late fall games can be cold for spectators here in Indiana, so I keep a blanket handy in the back of my SUV. It is best if one side of your blanket is at least water resistant in case it is both cold and wet.
4. Rain Coat
A rain storm in our area can blow in fast, so I like to keep a rain coat handy.
5. Gloves
Early morning, and late evening games can be chilly as the outdoor soccer season draws to a close. I try to keep a pair of gloves in my soccer game gear bag that I keep in my trunk.
6. Reusable Water Bottle
I love my Klean Kanteen it is easy to keep clean, cannot break, and holds enough water for me to keep hydrated on hot soccer viewing game days.
7. Travel Mug
When summer turns to late fall and you are still out on the soccer fields night after night, hot tea or coffee starts to sound pretty good. I love my travel mug, it keeps my beverages hot game after game and also helps keep my hands warm.
8. Fleece Jacket
I always keep a fleece jacket in my trunk along with my raincoat and mittens. You really do have to be ready for any weather, especially if you are going to be viewing back-to-back games.
9. Reading Material
I bring along some of my free magazines, to read while the teams are warming up or during halftime.
10. A snack
As we walk out the door I like throwing a homemade protein bar or some of my favorite trail mix into my purse, especially if I will be watching back-to-back games.
Soccer moms out there do you have anything you would add to my list?
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Sherri says
Great list. I was a soccer mom for many years. We also had a couple tarps in case we had a huge rainstorm.
Brandi says
Great list! Don’t forget to throw your camera in there, too!
Victoria says
I cannot believe I forgot to mention a camera! Thanks for adding that.
Kristin says
I keep a couple of sleeping bags in the back of my car (my other child is a Cub Scout). They are both warm and waterproof, so in case of extreme cold or rain, they can be unzipped so I stay cozy, or I can take them over to the team to throw over themselves while they are on the sidelines.