Dressing
for Cold Weather Games and Practices
Outdoor
practices are relatively easy. Outside of the basic equipment
requirements of cleats and shinguards, common sense should
rule. Dress warmly in layers that allow maximum freedom of
movement (not bulky) and are "safe" for outdoor
play (they could get dirty, muddy, or grass stained).
Games, with their uniform requirements,
are a slightly different matter. The "basics" of
dressing for cold weather play are still in effect, but colors
have to match. Here are some rules, guidelines and suggestions
you may find useful.
Basically,
the first rule is to avoid cotton at all costs, including
undershirts and socks. When cotton gets wet, whether from
sweat or snow, it stays wet, ensuring that your child will
become cold and stay cold during the game. Your best bet is
a "wicking" fabric (usually a polyester blend) that
will carry moisture away from the skin, through the garment,
and out into the air. Secondly, we all know that children
get cold faster than adults do, so your young players will
need to dress warmer than their parents or coaches would if
they were working out in cold weather. Goalkeepers, especially,
will need extra layers, as they run less than the other field
players. A good idea is to buy a high quality "wicking"
turtleneck (in Navy blue or Gold) to wear under the jersey
-- these can be the now fashionable, but more expensive Under
Armour, or a good quality poly-blend wicking "long underwear"
top. Under the uniform shorts wear compression shorts or wicking
long underwear pants -- these must be Navy blue to match the
color of the shorts (League rules). Layers can be key to keeping
young players warm. Rather than buying one bulky item to wear
under the jersey, buy two or three thin "wicking"
layers. Wearing layers creates a barrier of air between shirts,
keeping heat in, close to the body.
Other
items you may want to consider for cold weather play are:
-
a thin pair of gloves (these are made specifically for soccer
"field" players, or a thin pair of baseball batters
gloves or football receivers gloves will do - they should
have some grip to the fingers to facilitate throw-ins)
- a
thin hat or cold-weather headband
- sock
liners (basically, thin socks made of a wicking material
to be worn under the thick soccer sock)
Besides
clothing, you may want to a blanket for use on the sideline.
Bring a change of clothes if we're playing in the rain or
snow
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