Forgotten shin guards have ended more practices than rain. Here's a simple checklist to keep in the car.
Every practice
- Soccer cleats (firm-ground for grass; turf shoes for artificial turf)
- Shin guards, worn under the socks
- Soccer socks long enough to cover the shin guards
- A full, labelled water bottle
- Comfortable athletic clothes, or the club training top
- A light layer or rain jacket. Ottawa weather changes fast.
Game days, add:
- The full club kit (jersey, shorts, socks)
- A healthy snack for half time or after the game
- Sunscreen and a hat in summer
- Gloves for goalkeepers
Nice to have
- A small towel and a change of clothes
- A plastic bag for muddy cleats
- A size-appropriate ball for practising at home (size 3 for younger players, size 4 for most players from about U9 to U12, size 5 from U13)
Safety: concussion awareness
Ontario's Rowan's Law requires athletes under 26, and parents of athletes under 18, to review concussion awareness resources before registering for sport. If your child takes a knock to the head, they should stop playing and not return until they've been assessed. When in doubt, sit them out.
Before you leave the house
Check the team schedule in the app for any time or field changes. Our home field is Kittiwake Park in Stittsville, and our Schedule & Fields page has directions. More answers are in the FAQ.
