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[4theFun]

Wow - when we put our heads together to provide suggestions, we're pretty darn smart and constructive!

I forgot... in addition to the healthy snacks and drinks that were in the car for many years (before the soccer players started driving themselves more than I drive them),
we also keep:
tissues
cleaning wipes (antibacterial are nice) - the kind for hands/skin
cleaning wipes - the kind for cleaning up messes on "things"
a roll of paper towels
sunscreen
"Hot Hands"
a healthy first aid kit - items listed above
Ziplocks of various sizes
trash bags for those crazy wet, muddy, on "grass" days
water soluable "car paint" (for those really big wins - or for spontaneous team bonding activities - ideally in your team's color)
Colored hair gel 
Independent Reading books (squeeze some school work in and supports quiet time between games)

All of this (except the book of the month) has "lived" in 1 small back pack in the back of the SUV for about a decade.

Additionally, we pack a sense of humor and tremendous patience along with flexibility.

[Driver]

Don't forget the rain gear for the parents - rain pants help keep you more sane on these long weekends if you are not drenched likewise plenty of layers and a pair or two of gloves...a misting fan or sprayer is always appreciated on those hot days

[breakaway]

I have found one of the best things you can do is not talk too much about the game to your DS or DL after a loss. They prefer the old.....want to go see a movie tonight or how about we go to your favorite place to eat.

Kids truly hate their parents giving advice after losses...... the best thing to do is find the things outside the game they love and offer to do them with them.

Please listen to Squash on this! DD is 19. When I asked her what her worst memory about soccer was she said it was post-game discussions/criticisms during the car ride home. She said that was the only time she ever wanted to stop playing.
The tent is a good idea, just make sure someone else volunteers to lug it around! 

On really hot days, wash cloths dipped in cool water to drape around your players necks at half time or when they come off of the pitch work really well. And on the same note, ice baths at the hotel at the end of a day playing games help prevent soreness as well. Use the hotel tub or get a cheap inflatable pool that you can recycle.

I can honestly say, that this advice doesn't work for everybody.  At 11, 12 & 13, no, DD didn't want to hear it.  Daddy was just to hard.  I had a talk with her and I said, "shut him up, just do what he asks of you"  after dad tried to leave us at the field after a couple of games, I'd had enough.  DD took my advice, she was welcomed to the car by dad with "good game."  She has since been welcomed to the car by dad, with "good game" except... she listens and is happy to accept his advice.  When dad can't be at a game, he is the first person she calls after a game.  His constructive criticsm means more to her than the words of any coach she has ever had.  She calls her daddy still now from hundreds of miles away from home, especially when she thinks she played bad.  This sport has matured them both, he now knows what to say to inspire her and she looks to him for inspiration.  It really depends on how you approach your kid and the kind of competitive kid you have. 

All of the other crap I agree with whole heartedly.

[Chewy]

Wow - when we put our heads together to provide suggestions, we're pretty darn smart and constructive!

I forgot... in addition to the healthy snacks and drinks that were in the car for many years (before the soccer players started driving themselves more than I drive them),
we also keep:
tissues
cleaning wipes (antibacterial are nice) - the kind for hands/skin
cleaning wipes - the kind for cleaning up messes on "things"
a roll of paper towels
sunscreen
"Hot Hands"
a healthy first aid kit - items listed above
Ziplocks of various sizes
trash bags for those crazy wet, muddy, on "grass" days
water soluable "car paint" (for those really big wins - or for spontaneous team bonding activities - ideally in your team's color)
Colored hair gel 
Independent Reading books (squeeze some school work in and supports quiet time between games)

All of this (except the book of the month) has "lived" in 1 small back pack in the back of the SUV for about a decade.

Additionally, we pack a sense of humor and tremendous patience along with flexibility.

We've found on those hot days (if we see any on the west side this year) a pump style garden sprayer works well for the whole team. 3/4 full of ice and top off with clean cold water lasts thru the entire game+. Just make sure which one is for the team and which one is for the garden.......

[BigBilly]

We've found on those hot days (if we see any on the west side this year) a pump style garden sprayer works well for the whole team. 3/4 full of ice and top off with clean cold water lasts thru the entire game+. Just make sure which one is for the team and which one is for the garden.......
[/quote]   

That is a great idea!  I think I will put it in use on those hot days!  Make sure to mark it well though.

[EWSoccer64]

We've found on those hot days (if we see any on the west side this year) a pump style garden sprayer works well for the whole team. 3/4 full of ice and top off with clean cold water lasts thru the entire game+. Just make sure which one is for the team and which one is for the garden.......

   

That is a great idea!  I think I will put it in use on those hot days!  Make sure to mark it well though.
[/quote]

Get a durable one, because there are times that the kiddies will start to play with it! 

[RamaBama]

Don't forget dem cold boys for the soccer moms & dads

[2tuff4u]

Duct Tape..... for yourself and the rest of the parent who will and do yell stupid things 

A bag of lolipops works too!!

So does a beer tilted back but I always get kicked out by the tourney people for some reason. 

Try using a jumbo size slurpy cup with a straw....but don't drive please!!