Match Day Mayhem: Top Tips for football mums

Grassroots football: home of soggy pitches, mismatched socks, and the occasional dog running across the pitch mid-game. Whether you’re lacing up for your local team or watching your little one chase the ball in a pair of boots two sizes too big — you know that match day takes some serious prep.

To help you avoid the classic disasters (forgotten shin pads, mystery stains on your kit, and turning up hangry), here’s your essential guide — with helpful gear suggestions and a few laughs along the way.

What to Pack... (Besides Your Hopes and Dreams)

Here’s what to actually put in your bag — before you're halfway to the pitch and realise you've forgotten little Jimmy’s boots. Again. We've all done it, and (let me tell you) it never ends well!

Essentials (aka, The Non-Negotiables)

• Boots: For muddy Sunday morning pitches, you’ll want something like Adidas predator FG/MG boots — comfy, durable, and not £200.

• Shin Pads: Your legs will thank you. Mitre aircell slip ins are cheap and cheerful.

• Kit: Full strip + spares. Because grass stains and ketchup happen.

• Waterproof jacket: Because we’re in England, and you can always count on rain

• Snacks: Hangry is never a good look

• Water bottle: Named…unless you want to end up sharing with the rest of the team

The “You’ll Thank Yourself Later” Stuff

• Spare socks (just trust us)

• Plastic bag for muddy boots

• Tape or pre-wrap for last-minute ankle support (or makeshift boot repairs)

• Towel – not for a spa day, but for rain, sweat, or celebratory mud slides

What to Eat (No, Not a Sausage Roll from the Clubhouse... Yet)

Match Day Snacks for Kids Who Think Crisps Are a Food Group

Getting your kid’s food right on match day can be the difference between running like Mbappé and standing still like a garden gnome.

Let’s face it — they’ll say they’re “not hungry,” then 10 minutes into the game they’re asking for snacks. So here’s what actually works….although pinning them down to eat it, might be your only option.

2-3hrs Before Kick off- The Pre game meal (aka fuel for goals and glory)

• Peanut butter on toast- breakfast of champions

• Scrambled eggs & a banana

• Porridge with honey- you’re a miracle worker if you can make them eat it

• Breakfast bars – highly likely…if you're running late (again)

30-60 mins before·

• Banana or apple slices

• Oat bar or granola bar

• Handful of raisins or dried mango

During the Match

• Orange slices (classic)

• Energy chews or hydration tablets – they taste better than they sound

• Jelly babies. Yes, really.

After the Match (Refuel Time)

• Chocolate milk = budget-friendly recovery drink, what’s not to like?

• Protein bar if you’re feeling professional and saving yourself for the roast later.

• Or just grab a bacon butty and call it “bulking”. Obviously the preferred option.

Oh….and always pack double. One for before, one for when they ‘accidentally’ eat the first one on the way there.

How to Survive Early Kick-Offs Without Crying

If your alarm’s screaming before the sun’s even had its coffee — we salute you. Here’s how to survive the chaos (and maybe even enjoy it).

1. Prep the Night Before

Lay out kit, pack your bag, and don’t leave boots in the garden (again). Use a kit organiser cube if you’re fancy.

2. Set Alarms… Plural

One on your phone, one on the bedside table, one across the room so you physically have to get up to turn it off. Hardcore, but effective.

3. Layer Up Like You’re Climbing Everest

Grassroots football weather = unpredictable chaos. Bring:

• Base layers

• Gloves

• A proper sideline coat — because nothing says “coach” like a giant waterproof jacket.

The Legendary “Match Day Go Bag” Checklist

Make your life easier with this little dream team on standby — because chaos waits for no one (especially on match day).

✔ Boots (clean-ish)
✔ Shin pads
✔ Full kit (+ extras)
✔ Snacks & water
✔ Towel
✔ Bin bag for muddy kit
✔ Camping chair for the sidelines
✔ Good vibes (optional, but recommended)

Let’s be real- grassroots football is 10% goals and 90% mud, missing socks, and sideline snacks. One minute you’re cheering, the next you’re hunting down a lost boot and mediating a biscuit-based meltdown. But show up with the gear (and your sanity intact), and you’re already smashing it before kick-off.