Back-to-School Youth Sports Shopping List

Getting ready for the new school year also means preparing for another exciting season of youth sports. To ensure that young athletes are well-equipped for both the classroom and the field, here’s a comprehensive back-to-school shopping list tailored for them. 

Download the List Here – Shop Till You Drop

Backpack:

A durable and comfortable backpack is essential for carrying school books, sports gear, and personal items.

Athletic Shoes:

Invest in proper athletic shoes that are suitable for the specific sport your child will be participating in. Make sure they’re comfortable, provide proper support, and fit well.

Sports Apparel:

Depending on the sport, your child may need jerseys, shorts, socks, and other sport-specific clothing items. Consider the climate and the uniform requirements of the team.

Water Bottle:

Staying hydrated is crucial for both school and sports. A reusable water bottle helps ensure that your child always has water on hand.

Healthy Snacks:

Pack nutritious snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit to fuel your child’s energy levels during long school days and sports practices.

Sports Gear:

Depending on the sport, this could include items such as a soccer ball, basketball, tennis racket, or swim goggles.

Gym Bag:

A separate bag for sports gear makes it easier to keep everything organized and ready for practices and games.

Sports Accessories:

Items like sweatbands, headbands, knee pads, and protective gear (if required) can enhance comfort and safety during sports activities.

School Supplies:

Don’t forget the basics like notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and binders to keep up with schoolwork.

Planner or Calendar:

Help your child stay organized by providing a planner or calendar to manage school assignments, practices, and games.

Healthy Lunch Supplies:

If your child’s school doesn’t provide lunch, invest in a good lunchbox and containers for packing balanced meals.

Sun Protection:

If your child’s sport is outdoors, include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield them from the sun’s rays.

First Aid Kit:

A small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other basic supplies can come in handy for minor injuries.

Comfy Athletic Wear:

Outside of practice, having comfortable athletic wear like joggers, hoodies, and T-shirts is perfect for relaxed days or casual school events.

Recovery Tools:

For sports that involve physical exertion, consider items like foam rollers or massage sticks to aid in recovery and prevent muscle soreness.

Extra Pair of Shoes:

Sometimes, sports practices can get muddy or wet. Having an extra pair of shoes for school or casual wear is a good idea.

Headphones:

A pair of headphones can be useful for focusing on studies, listening to music during workouts, or even blocking out distractions.

Homework Station Supplies:

Designate a quiet space at home for homework and ensure it’s equipped with supplies like a desk lamp, notebooks, and pens.

Healthy Breakfast Options:

Ensure your child starts their day right with nutritious breakfast options that provide energy for school and sports. For 12 quick and healthy meal prep ideas, check out our blog post here. 

Supportive Equipment:

If your child has specific needs or injuries, consider supportive equipment like braces, orthotics, or insoles.

Remember, the back-to-school shopping list can vary depending on the sport, the school’s requirements, and your child’s preferences. Make sure to involve your young athlete in the shopping process to ensure they have items they’ll be comfortable and excited to use throughout the school year and sports season.

iSport360 is the only app that does it all for youth sports. For more information on what we do, click here. 

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Prior to coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360, where she brings her love of sports to a bigger audience.