5 Ways to Make the Most of Soccer Tournaments

Soccer tournaments provide a unique time for teams to play in a highly competitive environment against unfamiliar opponents while also providing abundant opportunities for bonding on and off the pitch. During the off-season, it is common for teams to travel to tournaments, playing in multiple intense games in only a few days. Below are five ways for any Soccerista to gain the most from the tournament experience.

1. Plan Delicious and Nutritious Pre-Game Meals

Trying food at new restaurants is always a major highlight of traveling. So why should traveling for soccer tournaments be any different? Do some research with your team beforehand to find restaurants you are interested in visiting. Try to target restaurants that offer smart pre-game meals.

For example, the night before a big game day, find a restaurant that offers large meals of complex carbs and proteins. Or, if you are grabbing lunch only a few hours before an afternoon game, find a restaurant that offers a smaller plate of carbs with low fat and low dairy content. With proper planning, you will keep your body properly fueled and keep your taste buds happy throughout the whole tournament!

2. Implement Team Bonding Activities

Although much of your time will be taken up by games, find some free time to participate in bonding activities with your teammates. Team bonding is important as it helps players to feel connected both on and off the field, and it gives a definite boost to team chemistry.

Relax in the hotel hot tub together after a long day of playing. Visit a famous attraction in the area. Play board games in the hotel lobby. Go out and see the sights of the town. There are endless activity ideas to consider regardless of time or budgetary constraints.

No matter the activities, you will end tournament weekend with cherished memories, hilarious inside jokes, and an enriched appreciation for your teammates.

3. Find Time to Watch Other Games

You can never have too much soccer, right? Soccer tournaments typically host many teams of all ages, so there are usually multiple games being played at once. Be sure to check the schedule and identify other games you would like to watch.

For example, you may want to watch some older teams to learn from more experienced players. You may also want to identify games in which two of your opponents are playing each other so you can learn about their strengths and weaknesses before playing them yourself.

4. Take Advantage of Recruitment Opportunities

Many college coaches and recruiters use tournaments as an opportunity to watch potential recruits play live. If you are interested in playing soccer collegiately, be sure you take advantage of every tournament by emailing the college programs you are interested in and providing your schedule and field locations. Talk with your club team coach if you need help; chances are they have assisted many players in networking with collegiate coaches and have provided guidance on the most effective ways to establish communication with potential programs. This article also gives helpful insight into the college recruitment process.

5. Capture that Footage

Playing in multiple high-competition games throughout the weekend provides a great opportunity to build your highlight reel! If your parents are traveling with you to the tournament, they can act as your own personal camera crew and capture videos that focus specifically on your playing. Make sure they know if you are counting on them to record the video. You can also ask your coach to set up a camera that captures the full field to record the games.

By taking these five steps, you will enhance your soccer tournament experience from good to great. Win or lose, you will make the most of your time while traveling with your teammates to play in an extremely competitive environment. Now for the final piece of tournament advice: remember to enjoy yourself! Time flies when playing soccer, and tournament weekends are over before you know it.

Featured image via Flickr

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