Every soccer player has a soccer bag that is an endless void of stuff. Even if the bags probably don't smell the best, (almost) all the stuff in there are essentials. Here is a list of 9 things that every athlete needs in their soccer bag (aside from cleats, shin guards, socks, and a jersey):
1. Slides
Even if they run countless miles daily, soccer players are notoriously lazy. Off the field, you can't ask a soccer player to do anything extra. A pair of slides is essential for every athlete because tying your shoes is just too big of a task.
2. Electrolytes
As I'm sure you can imagine, running around for 90 minutes is not easy. To keep up your hydration and energy, electrolytes are essential to have on hand at all times.
3. Snacks
You never know when you are going to get a spike of hunger. Snacks are a great thing to have on hand before, after, and between games. Some of my favorite snacks were fruit snacks, granola bars, and pretzels.
4. Massage gun/roller stick
To keep those muscles nice and warm, some sort of massage gun or roller stick is important to carry around.
5. Sunscreen
Soccer players are out in the sun for at least three hours a day. Your muscles are already going to be hurting, and you don't want your skin to be burning up on top of everything.
6. Bandaids
Even if you have had your cleats for a while, you know that blisters can come out of nowhere. You want to have some bandaids on hand in case you find your feet hurting all of a sudden.
7. Extra cleats/shinguards
If your coaches are anything like mine were, forgetting your cleats or shinguards is a worst-case scenario. Avoid doing extra laps by always having extra cleats and shinguards on hand for you or a teammate.
8. Water bottle
Everyone has that one teammate who has at least 8 empty plastic water bottles in their soccer bag at all times. For the sake of the environment and your own sanity, an insulated water bottle would probably be a good investment.
9. Deodorant
As impressive as it is, running around for 90 minutes in the hot sun does not leave you smelling very good. A little thing of deodorant is a good thing to have for you and everyone around you.
