How Can Parents Stay Warm During Fall Sports?
As a proud parent, you undoubtedly love going to your child’s games. The fall provides a chance to play in cooler weather, making it easy to enjoy yourself on nice days. But you may struggle to be enthusiastic when cold, rainy weather sets in. Youth soccer fields, football fields, and baseball fields especially can be colder because they typically have few trees or buildings to block the wind. Follow these 14 tips for parents to stay warm while cheering on your child!
As a Parent, Have Warm Apparel for Watching Kids Sports
Unpack the winter gear early for fall sports spectating
It might be too early to wear your parka and winter scarf from day to day, but they’ll come in handy when you’re sitting outside at practice on a cold fall morning! Now’s the time to grab the box of winter gear from the basement so you have access to everything you need.
Dress in layers to watch kids sports
Depending on where you live, the weather could be vary this time of year. Maybe the morning starts bitter, but then the sun comes out, and it starts warming up. When this happens, you want the option to remove your heavy coat, scarf, and even the sweater underneath. Dressing in layers ensures you can adjust your comfort level according to the temperature.
Consider wearing thermal underwear
If you’re certain the weather won’t warm up while you’re at your child’s game, consider thermal underwear as your bottom-most layer. A fleece-lined version provides the softest feel against your skin.
Wear a winter hat to your child’s sports game
Heat escapes from the top of your head, so it’s important to wear an insulating hat to chilly outdoor games. A simple beanie will do in mild weather, but when the temperature drops, consider a water-resistant, faux-fur-lined hat with adjustable ear flaps for the most warmth.
Wear winter gloves
Having comfortably toasty hands is critical to staying comfortable at fall games. You can even combine hand warmers with your winter gloves for twice the warmth. If you want a more high-tech option, you can find winter gloves with internal electric coils that keep your hands warm, front and back.
Wear wool socks to spectate youth sports in the cold – not cotton
After your hands, the next most important part of your body to keep warm is your feet. Wool socks are better than cotton because they insulate while wicking moisture away from your skin. Take it up a notch with heated socks that use the same technology as heated gloves.
Upgrade to waterproof shoes
It’s wise to pair your wool or heated socks with waterproof footwear. After all, the last thing you want is damp feet, which makes it impossible to shake that uncomfortable cold, wet feeling.
Accessories to Keep You Warm on Kids Sports Fields
Bring hand warmers to kids sports games
The simplest hand warmers are completely portable, with no prep work required. Just shake or crush them to activate the heat, and tuck them into your gloves, pockets, or boots. If you prefer a reusable product, try microwaveable heating pads. Prepare one shortly before heading out the door, and it should stay toasty for the entire game. The most high-tech option is a rechargeable hand warmer, which you can turn on and off at will and reuse again and again.
Bundle under a blanket
When all else fails, drape a blanket over your lap, or even wrap one around your body and over your head. A heavy comforter or fleece blanket provides the most warmth, but be aware that it could get wet or dirty on the sidelines.
Bring a portable space heater to the sports fields
Another heat source option is an outdoor, propane-powered space heater. Anyone sitting nearby can also enjoy the expansive heating capabilities of a small, clean-burning yet powerful space heater. This is a great investment if your child plays competitive sports year-round.
Sip on a hot drink
You may find it worthwhile to warm your body from the inside out. Fill an insulated travel tumbler with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea to sip on throughout your child’s game.
Other Suggestions to Stay Warm When Watching Youth Sports
Warm your seat before sitting down
Sitting on cold, metal bleachers is enough to sap all the heat from your body. Fortunately, you can get around this in several ways—sit on a folded-up blanket, bring a padded cushion, or set up a camping chair.
Hunker down under an umbrella
If rain is in the forecast, don’t get caught without an umbrella. This simple solution can keep you dry while you cheer on your young athlete.
Set up a personal weather pod
One-up the umbrella idea with your own personal weather pod. This creative invention encloses your camping chair in an egg-like capsule to keep you out of the wind and rain. At the same time, clear flaps ensure unobstructed views of the game.
Sign Up Your Child for Fall Sports
Are you looking for a youth league that puts safety and good sportsmanship first? Check out what i9 Sports®® has to offer. Our convenient, one-day-a-week programs help your child master the fundamentals, build on the skills they already know, and become a better athlete through hard work and perseverance. Whether your child has been playing sports for years or is brand-new to the game, chances are you can find an i9 Sports® league in your area that works for your family.
To learn more, please browse our programs or contact an i9 Sports® office near you today.
