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Youth Sports Tournament Must Haves: The Ultimate Packing List for Parents
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items Whether you’re driving across town or flying across the country for your kid’s next tournament, this list has you covered! As a seasoned sports mom and coach, I’ve packed and prepped for countless weekends of youth sports and I’m sharing everything I...
Sections
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Sideline & Bleacher Must Haves
Snacks, Drinks & Athlete Fueling Gear
Hotel Room Survival Kit – What Every Sports Parent Needs Away from Home
Weather Ready Gear for Any Arena
💊 First Aid & Recovery Tools
🏨 My Favorite Athlete Friendly Hotels
Sideline & Bleacher Must Haves
On the soccer field or in a freezing rink, comfort is key. Think folding chairs, umbrellas, bleacher seat cushions, stadium blankets, and crossbody bags that hold just enough without weighing you down.
These folding chairs with cup holders are a game day essential for any sports parent. Lightweight yet sturdy, they’re easy to carry from parking lot to field and set up in seconds. The built-in cup holder keeps your coffee, water, or electrolyte drin...
ALPHA CAMP Oversized Folding Camping Chair 450LBS
Don’t get caught off guard by blazing sun or surprise rain at the game. Compact umbrellas and foldable sun shades are essential for soccer and football sidelines, offering lightweight, portable protection that fits easily in your trunk or team tote. ...
TUMELLA Strong Windproof Compact Travel Umbrella
Cold bleachers and long tournaments don’t mix. Bleacher cushions with extra padding and non-slip grips make all day hockey or cheer events much more comfortable.
APEXUP Portable Stadium Seat with Back & Cup Holder
Waterproof stadium blankets keep you warm and dry in unpredictable weather. Choose blankets that fold up easily with handles or straps for hands free transport. Bonus: they’re perfect for wrapping up after rainy soccer games or sitting through chilly...
DUKUSEEK Hooded Waterproof Windproof Fleece Blanket
These Etsy hockey mom sweatshirts are my go to for tournament weekends because they’re cute, comfy, and show support without screaming “team merch.” I love how the minimalist designs let me rep my role with pride while still looking stylish at the ri...
Hockey mom sweater, Hockey Mom Sweatshirt, Hockey Mom shirt, sports Mom top, Hockey mom tee, Gift for Hockey mom, Mother's Day Gift
This glitter Cheer Mom sweatshirt brings the perfect mix of sparkle and school spirit to every competition weekend. With bold embroidery, shimmer details, and a flattering fit, it’s a standout piece that celebrates your cheerleader while keeping you ... proud mom in the most stylish way. It also makes a thoughtful gift for any cheer mama who loves a little extra shine.
Glitter Cheer Mom sweatshirt, Cheer Mama gift, Embroidered Cheer Mom sweater, Cheerleading Mom tee, School Spirit shirt, Womens sparkle top
This custom soccer mom sweatshirt is the perfect way to show your support while keeping your game day outfit effortlessly stylish. Order it in your player’s team colors for a personalized touch that’s both subtle and spirited. Whether you choose a cl...
Personalized Soccer Mom Sweater, Custom Soccer Mom Sweatshirt, Customized Soccer Mom Hoodie, Gift For Soccer Mom, Mom Gift
Snacks, Drinks & Athlete Fueling Gear
We always keep things simple—and that’s why the Gatorade GX Bottle is our go-to for tournament weekends. Designed for serious athletes, this 30 oz. bottle features a high-flow valve that won’t leak or spill, even when tossed in a gear bag. The unique... It’s a must have for soccer, hockey, and cheer athletes who need reliable, durable hydration without any spills.
Gatorade Gx 30 oz. Bottle
These personalized silicone bottle bands are a gameday lifesaver. They slip easily around water bottles, tumblers, or sports drinks to clearly label your athlete’s drink no more confusion, lost bottles, or accidental swaps with teammates. Durable, di...
Bottle band, silicone wrap, water bottle label, kids bottle, bottle name labels, tumbler wrap, drink sleeve, drink label
Blender bottles are a staple in my travel tote; easy to toss in for tournaments, competitions, or long weekends on the road. My athletes are committed to proper nutrition and hydration, and the BlenderBottle Strada makes it simple to mix protein shak...
Best Shaker Cups & Protein Shaker Bottles | BlenderBottle®
These VitalHarvest electrolyte packets are a must-have in every sports bag, car console, and hotel tote. The variety pack includes six flavors—lemon lime, watermelon, orange, raspberry, white peach, and blueberry—so your athletes never get bored of t...
VitalHarvest 36 Electrolyte Powder Sticks
Whey protein is one of the best sources of high quality protein for teen athletes, and this option checks all the boxes. Made with simple ingredients and whey isolate, it delivers clean fuel with no added sugar perfect for pre game smoothies or post ...
Isopure Low Carb Whey Isolate Protein 3lbs
These IQBAR Peanut Butter Chip protein bars are a game day staple in our house—for both me and my athlete. With a soft texture, delicious flavor, and no weird aftertaste, they’re easy to eat and genuinely satisfying. We often grab one 1 to 1.5 hours ...
IQBAR Plant Protein Bars Peanut Butter Chip
Hotel Room Survival Kit – What Every Sports Parent Needs Away from Home
From wet cleats and stinky uniforms to 5 AM wakeups and post-game recovery, hotel rooms during youth sports tournaments require some serious strategy. I always travel with a few reliable essentials to turn a basic hotel stay into a functional and com...
When you’re juggling phones, iPads, laptops, and smartwatches, hotel outlets just don’t cut it. A compact multi-port USB charging station or portable charging hub keeps everyone powered up, especially when you’re reviewing film, charging your athlete...
Anker 112W 6-Port USB C Desktop Charger
Between rain soaked cleats, sweaty skates, or damp hockey gloves, this boot/skate dryer is a game changer. It dries out gear overnight, reduces odors, and helps prevent bacteria buildup so you don’t have to start day two with soggy shoes. It’s compac...
Cabela's Original PEET Boot Dryer by PEET Dryer
A sturdy tote makes it easy to unload everything from the car into the hotel room in one go. I use it to carry snacks, gear, warm-up clothes, and even laundry supplies. It’ll save you making multiple trips from car to hotel room after a long drive an...
27gal Heavy Duty Storage Tote - Brightroom™
Tournament weekends = sweaty uniforms and the occasional emergency wash. I keep laundry detergent pods or packets in my tote so I can rinse jerseys in the hotel sink or do a quick load if there’s a guest laundry room.
Tide Power Oxi Laundry Detergent Pods - 18ct
When you're up before sunrise for hockey, soccer, or cheer, hotel breakfast isn’t always an option especially if your athlete has dietary restrictions. That’s why I always travel with a compact toaster tucked in our tournament tote. It’s been a lifes...
KitchenSmith by Bella 2 Slice Toaster: Black, Bagel & Bread Warmer, 750W, Compact Design, 2-Year Warranty
Hotel walls are thin, and rest is non negotiable. I pack a travel size white noise machine to drown out hallway noise, elevators, and late night team laughter.
Portable Mini White Noise Machine with 30 Sounds
These extra large travel laundry bags are a must for every tournament weekend. They make it easy to separate sweaty uniforms and gear from clean clothes so you’re not tossing everything into the washer when you get home “just in case.” Lightweight, m...
2 Pack XL Travel Laundry Bag, Machine Washable
Weather Ready Gear for Any Arena
I’ve been wearing my Hunter boots for years and they’ve saved me more times than I can count. Whether it’s soggy soccer sidelines or rainy parking lots at hockey tournaments, there is nothing worse than wet feet. These boots are comfortable, durable,...
Hunter Women's PLAY Tall Rain Boots BLK-6
If you spend time in freezing ice rinks, a North Face jacket is worth every penny. It’s warm, lightweight, and breathable! I have it in two colors. It's perfect for layering over a hoodie without adding bulk. I’ve worn mine through years of soccer and hockey weekends and cheer comps in cold gyms, and it still looks and feels amazing. Whether you're sitting on metal bleachers or standing for hour...
THE NORTH FACE Women's Aconcagua Parka
Rink moms and early morning sideline warriors know: accessories matter. I always keep a pair of gloves with me. The gloves have tech friendly finger tips to record your athlete and take pics as they play the game they love. Choose soft, neutral colors or subtle team shades to stay warm without sacrificing your style.
New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves
Whether you’re shielding your eyes from the sun during a hot soccer game or covering up frizzy hair on an early morning cheer call time, a classic baseball hat is functional and stylish.
Classic Ball Cap | Men's Hats | lululemon
High quality polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable for any sports mom on the go and my Ray-Ban Aviators go with me everywhere. Whether I’m driving to a tournament or sitting on the sidelines in full sun, the polarized lenses cut glare and protect m...
Unisex Sunglasses, RB3025 AVIATOR GRADIENT
This cozy winter hat is one of my cold weather essentials for early games and freezing rinks. It has a deep, full coverage fit that actually keeps your head and ears warm (no slipping or tugging required!). The soft blended yarn, fun multi color pom,...
The North Face Women's Oh Mega Fur Pom Beanie
This lightweight quilted puffer vest is the perfect grab and go layer for unpredictable weather during sports weekends. There are various fit options to give you a flattering, modern look while keeping your core warm without bulk. I love it in a neut...
EVALESS Women's Lightweight Quilted Puffer Vest
💊 First Aid & Recovery Tools
Someone will fall, bump something, or need pain relief—every single time. Whether it’s a turf burn, a tight hamstring, or an unexpected headache, I’ve learned to always keep a compact first aid and recovery kit in my car or tournament tote. It doesn’...
Arnica is my go to for bumps, bruises, and post game soreness. I keep both the topical gel and homeopathic tablets in my kit for fast acting relief especially helpful for athletes who bruise easily or complain of minor aches. It’s a clean, non-medici...
Boiron Arnicare Gel + Arnica 30c Pain Relief
Ice Pack Bags for unexpected sprains or swelling, while the refillable ice packs are perfect for overnight at the hotel. Stop at the hotel ice machine and fill the ice pack They’re lightweight, mess-free, and kid-approved for everything from shin bumps to sore backs after competition.
Reusable Ice Pack Bag 9'' for Pain Relief
Whether it’s a headache, muscle pain, or cramping, I keep pain reliever in travel-sized containers in my tote. Just make sure to check with your athlete’s doctor about preferences for ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen—and keep dosages age-appropriate and clearly marked.
Advil Liqui-Gels Ibuprofen 200mg, 180 Ct
From scraped knees to broken nails, I never go anywhere without a stash of Band Aids in multiple sizes. I also keep athletic tape in my kit for ankle support, gear fixes, or wrapping fingers and wrists. You’ll be shocked how often you pull these out ...
Cramer Athletic Tape Kit with Cutter & Supplies
A foam roller is one of the simplest and most effective tools for helping your athlete stay loose and pain free during tournaments. Just a few minutes of use can help reduce soreness and prevent stiffness the next day. It’s also a great warm-up tool before early morning games when they’re feeling sluggish.
Double Roller | Work Out Accessories | lululemon
This portable massage gun is a total game changer for tournament weekends. It provides deeper muscle relief than a foam roller and helps reduce tension, soreness, and tightness after intense games or long drives. I looked for one with multiple speed ...
TOLOCO Deep Tissue Massage Gun, 10 Heads
🏨 My Favorite Athlete Friendly Hotels
When choosing where to stay for a tournament, I always look for hot breakfasts, mini-kitchens, and layouts that make life easier for busy sports parents. After years of traveling for hockey, soccer, and cheer, these are the tried and true hotel chain...
We love staying at Marriott brands that offer full kitchens or kitchenettes especially when we’re traveling with dietary needs or early start times. Being able to whip up toast, protein shakes, or even pasta in the room saves money and makes nutritio...
TownePlace Suites
Embassy Suites by Hilton is a go to for us when we want a little extra space and guaranteed hot breakfast even on the weekends. Every stay includes a separate living area, mini-fridge, and microwave, which makes early mornings and post game meals eas...
Embassy Suites by Hilton - Spacious Two-Room Suite Hotels
Home2 Suites offers that perfect blend of modern design and family function. Rooms include kitchenettes with dishwashers, large counters, and real storage perfect for prepping meals or organizing game day
Home2 Suites by Hilton - Spacious Hotel Suites For Extended Stays
Extended Stay America is my top pick when I need to stick to a budget but still want the functionality of a full kitchen. The simple setup includes a fridge, stovetop, microwave, and storage perfect for grocery runs and feeding hungry athletes betwee...
Affordable Short & Long-Term Hotels | Extended Stay America
When we’re traveling for more than a night or two or bringing along multiple athletes, I always check Airbnb first. Having a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, and a little extra space to stretch out after a long day of games makes a huge difference. I...
Airbnb | Vacation rentals, cabins, beach houses, & more