DIY Soccer Survival Bag + Soccer Tailgate Party

My boys have played soccer since they were preschoolers.  Although my oldest is now obsessed with track and cross-country once he went to high school, his little brother still plays. I’ve shared in the past how unfortunately, little brother has been diagnosed with 6 different tree and grass allergies since he was a preschooler.  His manifests through his skin and mucus membranes, so lots of itchies and congestion.

When the weather gets nice, we step up our allergy game with his prescription medications from eyedrops to nose spray and try to minimize his exposure. Which is impossible when you play soccer in grass.

I’ve resigned myself to soccer mom status and try to get him through the best I can.   One way is keeping our laundry as allergen-free as possible.  Having no dyes, perfumes, certain chemicals, and irritating residues, by taking care of his soccer uniform with all® free clear detergent and all® free clear dryer sheets, he is game-day ready.

As the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin and #1 sensitive skin brand, washing with all® free clear removes 99% of everyday and seasonal allergens including cat and dog dander, dust mite matter, ragweed, grass, and tree pollen.  Although these products don’t treat or prevent his allergies, when following the directions for use on the packaging exactly, we minimize his contact exposure.

Another important key to surviving soccer mom-itis, having a soccer survival bag. If you have ever been at a game or practice and forgot something important, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Every parent should have a bag you can grab and go without having to pack every time.

 

It’s easy to ‘soccer up’ a tote bag by using freezer paper as a stencil!  The best part, you can find almost everything you need to fill your bag at Target…

What You’ll Need:

craft tote (mine measures 13 1/2″)
soccer ball and word printed on copy paper
soft fabric paint
sponge dauber
freezer paper – NOT wax paper!!
iron and ironing board
piece of thick cardboard about the size of your tote

1.  I used an editing program to create the soccer ball and GOAL and printed them out.
2.  Use a lightbox or window to trace the designs onto the DULL side of the freezer paper.
3.  With a sharp craft knife, cut out the design; these will become your stencils.
4.  Lay the tote on the ironing board and position the stencils, SHINY side down to your liking.  Be sure it is exactly where you want because once you begin ironing, you can’t move the stencil.

5.  Using a warm, dry iron, apply heat by pressing the iron down onto the stencil and tote. Be sure to press down all of the edges, especially intricate details.  You want to create a strong seal between the freezer paper and the tote; the shiny side is a thin layer of wax that melts and seals to the tote.

6.  Once the tote cools, insert the cardboard into the bag.  It will keep the paint from bleeding through the bag.
7. Use the dauber to dab paint onto your stencil with light coats to minimize bleed through under the stencil.  Let dry 1 hour between coats.
8.  Carefully peel away the stencil and follow any ‘setting your design’ directions your paint has.

Voila! You have a personalized tote that will sure to be the envy of the other parents…

Some things to have inside your soccer survival bag:

• small beach towel
• instant cold packs
• sunscreen
• a few shelf-stable snacks like granola bars and meat sticks
• a couple of juice boxes or water bottles
• sunscreen
• first aid kit (be sure to have different types of bandages)
• plastic bags for wet gear, trash, etc.
• antibacterial wipes
• tissue
• small notepad and pen
• bug spray

Another soccer mom duty you may find yourself in charge of, the end of season party!  I thought it would be fun to share how to field side with a soccer tailgate party.  It would be perfect as a birthday party as well…spend the afternoon playing on the field and enjoy the goodies after.  I created it with an international flair; with so many global competitions from Copa America to the World Cup and even the Olympics, later this year, it is a great theme to use for soccer enthusiasts.

Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds to have a party outdoors with a little flair and style…