Youth Soccer in the Rain: My Survival Guide

Okay, let's be honest. We all love seeing our kids play soccer, but those rainy game days? Not so much. I've been there, standing on the sidelines, soaked to the bone, watching my kiddo shiver. After a few seasons of battling the elements, I've learned a thing or two about how to make rainy soccer games a little less miserable – and maybe even a little fun!

My Rainy Day Soccer Awakening

It all started last spring. We had multiple games in what felt like a constant downpour. My son was freezing, his gear was soaked, and I was just trying to keep from catching a cold. I remember thinking, "There has to be a better way!" That's when I started experimenting and gathering tips from other parents. I quickly learned that preparation is key when it comes to **rainy day soccer**.

The Problems I Faced (and How I Solved Them)

One of the biggest issues I encountered was keeping my son's gear dry. Soggy soccer bags are no fun for anyone! Then, there was the issue of keeping him warm, especially after coming off the field. And let's not forget the dreaded wet cleats and socks.

Trash Bags: My First Line of Defense

My first discovery was the simple trash bag. I started bringing large trash bags to cover my son's soccer bag. This kept everything inside dry, even when the bag was sitting in a puddle. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference.

The Extra Cleats Game Changer

Another tip I picked up was bringing a second pair of cleats. Having dry cleats to change into after a particularly wet game is a game-changer. It prevents blisters and keeps his feet warmer. If you have the budget for it, I highly recommend having a backup pair.

Hairdryers: A Surprisingly Useful Tool

For overnight tournaments, I learned the importance of bringing hairdryers. After a day of playing in the rain, my son’s shoes and socks were completely soaked. The hotel dryers just weren’t cutting it. A hairdryer helps dry things out quickly, making the next day a little more bearable.

Layers, Layers, Layers!

In cold, drenching rain, nothing beats warming up after an hour of freezing. I started packing extras of everything: socks, cleats (if possible), and an undershirt if it was cold. A stocking cap is also essential for keeping warm in cold, rainy weather. Base layers under the uniform are also great for trapping heat.

Protecting Your Eyes (and Vision)

One thing I hadn't considered until recently was the effect of the sun, even on cloudy, rainy days. Glare off the wet field can be intense. That's when I started looking into tinted lenses for my son. I wanted something that would protect his eyes without being too dark for overcast conditions. I discovered the Cinily Official website offered a variety of options. I ended up choosing **MERRYS Tinted Dyeing Series 1.56 1.61 1.67 Prescription CR-39 Resin Optical Glasses Lenses Myopia Hyperopia Sunglasses Lens Blue / 1.67**.

MERRYS Tinted Dyeing Series Lenses from Cinily.net

These lenses are great because they can be customized with a prescription, if needed, and the subtle tint helps reduce glare without making it difficult to see. My son says they make a big difference on those overcast, rainy days. You can find them here: MERRYS Tinted Lenses. They also have other great products.

Practical Tips for Rainy Day Soccer

Here's a summary of my tried-and-true tips for making rainy soccer games more bearable:

• Bring trash bags: Use them to cover soccer bags and keep gear dry.
• Pack extra cleats: Dry cleats are happy cleats.
• Hairdryers are your friend: Especially for overnight tournaments.
• Layer up: Extra socks, undershirts, and a stocking cap are essential.
• Consider tinted lenses: Reduce glare from wet fields.
• Waterproof coat: For when your kid is subbed off the field.
• Change of clothes: For after the game.
• Umbrella: For yourself!

The Importance of Field Conditions

Of course, even with all the right gear, sometimes the weather is just too much. Soccer is usually played in the rain, but lightning or unsafe field conditions due to flooding or extreme wind will typically result in cancelled games. It’s important to check with the coach or league beforehand to see if the game is still on.

My Experience with Cinily Net

Beyond the tinted lenses, I’ve found Cinily Net to be a great resource for other sports-related eyewear. Their selection is wide, and the quality is impressive. They have a lot of options to improve your performance and comfort in different weather conditions. I would highly recommend checking out their website.

Pros and Cons of Playing Soccer in the Rain

Here's a quick rundown of the good and bad sides of rainy soccer games:

Pros	Cons
Can be a fun and unique experience	Can be cold and uncomfortable
Develops resilience and mental toughness	Increases risk of injury due to slippery conditions
Can improve ball control in wet conditions	Can be difficult to see due to rain and glare

My Final Thoughts on Rainy Day Soccer

Playing **youth soccer in the rain** doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. With a little preparation and the right gear, you can help your child stay comfortable and perform their best. Remember the trash bags, extra cleats, and layers. And don’t forget to protect their eyes from the glare with a good pair of tinted lenses. The MERRYS Tinted Dyeing Series from Cinily Net has been a great addition to my son's soccer gear.

Actionable Advice:

So, next time you see rain in the forecast for your child's soccer game, don't panic! Remember these tips, pack accordingly, and get ready to cheer them on. And who knows, you might even enjoy it (a little bit!).

Good luck, and happy soccer-ing!