Creative Ways to Stay Cool During Summer Soccer

This summer has only just begun, and it is already a scorcher. Depending on where you are in the world, it could only get hotter until the fall brings us some relief. Unless you’re an indoor soccerista, it’s time to think about ways to keep cool.

Portable roof

This one is quick and can help keep your entire team cool. You can get these at just about any store, from Target to Costco. They are the next evolution of pop tents. Four poles and an awning create portable shade wherever you need it. They are super easy to assemble and disassemble, and some of them can even be angled to keep up with the sun. Under one of these, you’ll stay in the shade whenever you’re off the field. If you have the capabilities, get a string of portable fans and hang them around the inside for extra airflow.

Frozen sweatbands

This hack has saved me a few times playing in Arizona. You can do this with a thick sweatband, a bandana, or both if you need more options and longer-term solutions. All you have to do is drench the fabric, ring it out, so it isn’t dripping anymore, and then pop it in the freezer. When it’s time to hit the field, strap on your frosty headband or secure your bandana around your neck or as a headband. They don’t last forever, but they’re reusable, and you can always wet them with cold water to refresh them. Get yourself a portable ice chest and bring them with you from field to field on tournament days.

Chilly drills

There are plenty of ways to add cooling elements to regular drills. Sprints are definitely canceled during heatwaves, so ask your coach about finding a local pool so you can do conditioning safely. Run a scrimmage in the sprinklers to stay cool and work on ball handling – but be careful when you do, definitely no sliding. Combine keep away with dodgeball by lobbing water balloons at players with the ball until there is only one dry person standing. Get creative when you’re on the field to keep things fun, safe, and cooling.

Team slip ‘n’ slide

Every team looks forward to after a game or a scrimmage is the high fives and tunnel. In the summer, enhance the tunnel with a Slip ‘n’ Slide. Your kit is already soaked in sweat, so what’s the harm in getting a little rinse in the funnest way possible? Your team and your opponent can take a trip and cool off after a long game. Plenty of Slip’ n’ Slides even come with little side sprinklers to add to the fun and replace the tunnel until the weather cools down.

Team snacks

Team snacks are always a treat, whether it’s orange slices or cupcakes. But for the summertime, why not make these treats a little frostier. The most classic choice is otter pops – the long tube popsicles, for those who know them by a different name – but there are many other options. The next time it’s your turn to do snacks, take a stroll down the freezer aisle and load up with fudgesicles, bomb-pops, fruit-sicles, drumsticks, or whatever your team would appreciate.

Don’t let the heat keep you from playing the game and playing it well. Be sure you stay hydrated and wear sunscreen when you hit the field, no matter how long.

Featured Image via @lindsaymoe on Unsplash

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