Match Day Checklist for Parents: What Your Child Should Bring

Michal Ufniak
3 days ago
4 min read

Match day always arrives quicker than we expect, doesn’t it? One minute you're sipping your first coffee of the morning, and the next you're shouting, “Where are your shin pads?” across the house. Every parent of a young footballer has been there. So let’s make things easier. Here’s a simple, friendly match day checklist to make sure your child has everything they need to enjoy the game, feel confident, and play their best.

Match day kit

Let’s start with the obvious. The full football kit is the heart of match day. That means the correct match shirt, shorts, football socks, and if you’re anything like the rest of us, probably a backup pair stuffed in the boot… just in case. Kids grow, mud happens, socks disappear. It’s normal.

Make sure the kit actually fits. Nothing throws a young player off more than shorts they have to keep pulling up or socks that roll down every 10 steps. When they feel comfortable, they play better. And when they play better, everyone—including you—has a nicer morning.

Football boots

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many parents have reached a pitch only to realise the boots are still sitting in the hallway. Check the studs, too. Are they the right type for the surface? Grass boots for grass. Astros for 3G. If the forecast screams rain (which, let’s be honest, is most weekends), proper studs will save your child from sliding around like they’re auditioning for Dancing on Ice.

If your child has more than one pair of boots, bring the second pair. Wet weather can get wild quickly, and having dry boots for the second half feels like magic to a tired kid.

Shin pads

Think of shin pads as seatbelts. You don’t drive without them, and kids shouldn’t play without them. They’re a must for safety and for the rules. Coaches can’t let players on the pitch without them, so double check they’re packed. Kids often hide shin pads in impossible locations, so this one is worth checking twice.

Slip-in pads or ankle guards—either is fine. The key is they stay in place and don’t wobble inside the socks. If they keep sliding around during training, match day will be no different.

Water bottle

A water bottle is non-negotiable. Even when it feels freezing and you’re wrapped in three layers, the kids are working hard on the pitch. Hydration helps with concentration, energy, and just feeling good while they play.

Label the bottle. Half the kids bring the same design from the same shop and trust me, they all end up in the same muddy pile near the goal post. Labelling saves arguments and saves you buying yet another bottle next week.

A healthy snack

Football takes energy. Kids burn through it quickly, especially during morning matches. Pack something simple and light like a banana, an oat bar, or a slice of fruit loaf. Nothing too heavy. Nothing sugary that’ll spike and crash mid-game. Just a little boost to keep them going.

If the match is longer or they're playing a tournament, bring a few extra bits. They’ll thank you when they’re tired halfway through and need a quick lift.

Warm clothing

Even if it looks sunny when you leave the house, always pack layers. British weather changes its mind more often than kids change football boots. A comfortable jumper, a light jacket, or even a waterproof coat can make the difference between a happy player and a freezing one.

Don’t forget gloves and a hat. Many children pretend they’re too cool to wear them but trust me, on a windy touchline, they’ll be grateful.

A change of clothes

Mud. Rain. Grass stains. Football finds a way to coat your child in all three by the end of the match. A simple set of fresh clothes—even just clean socks—can make the journey home much more enjoyable. It also keeps the car smelling less like a changing room and more like an actual vehicle.

If they travel home in dry clothes, they’re less likely to feel chilled after the game. And they’ll be more comfortable if you stop off at the shop on the way home for that well-earned treat.

Match day essentials bag

Having a dedicated match day bag makes everything easier. Once it becomes routine, you’ll spend far less time running around the house on a Sunday morning. Your bag might include:

Towel
Wet wipes (an actual lifesaver)
Black bin bag for muddy boots and wet kit
Hand gel
Tissues
Spare laces
Boot brush

You’d be amazed how often one of these comes in handy. Especially the bin bag.

Positive energy

This one isn’t something they pack, but it matters more than all the other items. Match day can be intense for kids. Nerves kick in, excitement takes over, and sometimes they worry more than we realise.

A simple “Go out there and enjoy it” works wonders. Let them know you’re proud of their effort, not their performance. Football is fun. And when they feel supported, they relax, play better, and smile more.

Your energy sets the tone. So even if it’s cold, or early, or your coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, keep the vibe upbeat. They feel it.

Check-in with the coach

Before you head out the door, it’s good to double check the plans:

Kick off time
Meeting time
Pitch location
Any last-minute changes
Team colours

Every parent knows that football fixtures can change at the drop of a hat. Confirming the details saves you from rushing around or turning up to the wrong pitch—yes, it happens to the best of us.

After the match

Once the final whistle blows, your child will probably want two things: food and praise. The food you can sort easily. The praise? That comes from you.

Even if the scoreline didn’t go their way, focus on something they did well. A good pass. Great effort. Strong attitude. These little comments have a huge impact, especially on young players growing in confidence.

And remember the essentials for the trip home: dry clothes, snacks, and maybe a warm drink waiting in the car.