Why Every Team Mom Needs a Survival Kit
Being a team mom is like being a superhero – minus the cape (although sometimes that might help!). First and foremost, your role keeps the team running smoothly. Moreover, whether you’re managing baseball, soccer, or basketball, being prepared makes all the difference.
Obviously, we’ve all faced those unexpected moments. For instance, it’s game day, and suddenly you’re dealing with:
- A scraped knee and no Band-Aids
- Dehydrated players without water bottles
- A broken shoelace crisis
- A weather change no one anticipated
As you can see, your survival kit can become your secret weapon against these everyday sports emergencies.
The Essential 15: Your Complete Must-Have List
1. First Aid Kit
Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, ice packs, and pain relievers. Accidents happen, and being prepared is a must.
2. Snacks and Drinks
Pack easy-to-grab snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit snacks, along with water bottles or electrolyte drinks for the kids and parents.
3. Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Essential for outdoor games or practices to protect from the sun and pesky bugs.
4. Extra Uniforms, Socks and Personal Essentials
Keep an extra jersey, socks, shoelaces or shorts for those moments when a player forgets something or gets muddy. If you have girls you should add hair ties, bobby pins or headbands to the list as well as femine products for emergencies.
5. Tissues and Wet Wipes
Useful for cleaning messy hands, wiping faces, or even quick spills.
6. Clipboard and Notepad
Keep track of schedules, rosters, and game notes. You’ll look ultra-organized when someone asks for info!
7. Pens, Sharpies, and Highlighters
Handy for marking schedules, labeling items, or even signing banners or team memorabilia.
8. Portable Phone Charger
Ensure your phone stays charged for coordinating, checking schedules, and snapping team photos.
9. Team Contact List
Print a hard copy with parents’ names, phone numbers, and emergency contacts just in case.
10. Trash Bags
Perfect for cleaning up after snacks, rainy gear, or muddy cleats.
11. Duct Tape and Zip Ties
A quick fix for anything—from broken gear to banners that won’t stay up.
12. Rain Poncho or Umbrella
Be ready for sudden weather changes during outdoor events.
13. Foldable Chair or Blanket
Stay comfortable on the sidelines during long games or practices.
14. Small Cooler
Use it to store drinks, ice packs, or even celebratory popsicles for the team.
15. Celebration Supplies
Pack items like a small banner, balloons, or markers for impromptu end-of-game celebrations or milestones.
Final Team Mom Pro Tips
- Remember to adjust your kit based on:
- Sport-specific needs
- Weather conditions
- Age group requirements
- Venue restrictions
- Rotate perishable items monthly
- Share responsibilities with other parents
- Keep a backup of everything
- Update contact info regularly
Final Thoughts: Your Team Mom Journey
A well-stocked Team Mom Survival Kit is the ultimate tool for keeping your team organized, prepared, and stress-free. With these 15 (or 16!) essential items, you’ll be ready to handle anything—from forgotten gear and snack emergencies to unexpected weather or minor injuries. By thinking ahead and packing thoughtfully, you’ll not only be the MVP of the sidelines but also the go-to hero for players and parents alike. Here’s to a fun, smooth, and successful season!
Pro tip: Start small and build your kit based on your team’s specific needs. You’ll quickly learn what’s essential for your sport, age group, and venue – and that’s when you can customize this basic kit to make it your own.
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