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Top 10 things to bring to a travel Volleyball Tournament – (Girls Edition)

Kids

  1. Uniforms: Be sure to pack these in your carry on (probably your team backpack)…wouldn’t want to lose these ones!
  2. Socks, kneepads, ankle braces, and shoes: If there’s no room left in your backpack, these ones can go in your checked luggage ,but Mom and Dad be ready to shell out big bucks for a new pair of court shoes that you just lost.
  3. Hair ties: There are two competitions happening at a tournament…the volleyball and which team has the coolest hair styles and hair ribbons.
  4. Water bottle: Playing a minimum of three matches a day will definitely make you thirsty! Having a good water bottle that stays cold is a must. Be sure it’s empty at the airport though, so mom and dad aren’t shelling out the big bucks for a new tournament branded water bottle.
  5. Homework: As much as you would like this to be a free vacation, the rest of your class back at school will still be doing homework. Talk to your teachers before you leave and bring along the assignments you need to get done in between your matches. Remember volleyball kids are the smartest kids!
  6. Favorite travel blanket: The cool cement floors of convention centers are the perfect place to catch some Z’s while waiting for your crossover match or reffing assignment. Having your favorite blanket to rest with will go perfectly with your team issued backpack a.k.a. your pillow.
  7. Snack bag: This is your life support. Having your own snacks not only guarantees you will have your personal favorites to eat, but it will also ensure Mom and Dad don’t have to shell out even more big bucks on a very small smoothie or roasted nuts.
  8. Cute/going out outfit: If you have an awesome Team Mom or Dad, you will most likely be spending a night hitting the town and getting dinner as a team. You wouldn’t want to be wearing sweatpants to that one.
  9. Headphones: Whether you like listening to rap or pop music to pump you up, you have to get into game mode and listening to your own music is a surefire way to do so. Also, when you are sharing a room with your parents and Dad’s incessant snoring keeps you from getting the sleep you need, putting on some white noise is sure to help.
  10. Extra room in your suitcase for tournament merchandise: Let’s face it, each tournament has cool t-shirts and sweatshirts, and you want them. No bag room = no new clothes for you.

Parents

  1. External phone charger: Your kid is in and playing great right now. You want to capture the moment and post it to Facebook later. You get your phone out and are shocked with a notification telling you it’s at 10% . You realize Wordle and Candy Crush took too much juice in between matches and now you can’t share the awesomeness of your stud in action. Bring a charger.
  2. Drink tumbler: Hydration is just as important for you as it is for your player. Whether from standing and pacing when the game gets tight or from cheering your girl on, having your favorite adult beverage keeps you fresh for the next match.
  3. Laptop: The working world doesn’t halt when you’re watching volleyball from sunny Orlando or rainy Spokane. Make that cubicle travel size and bring your laptop, phone, or anything else you need to keep your boss at bay.
  4. Comfortable shoes: Whatever your daily step count goal is, be ready to triple it on these weekends.
  5. Positive attitude: No matter how much play time your kid gets, how bad the refs are, or if the scoreboard is wrong, it is important to remember these weekends are building memories and experiences for your girl that are one of a kind. Being their biggest cheerleader is essential, not the critic of all the other nonsense.
  6. Money: From the time you arrive at the airport to the time you get back home, it is a never-ending supply of coffee, smoothies, snacks, and all the dinners. Be ready to throw some dough for your food and drink expenses.
  7. Money: Your kid will think every $70.00 T-Shirt at the tournament store is the coolest shirt they’ve ever seen and will talk you into buying four different versions of them, swearing it will be the only clothes she will wear. Bringing out the Benjamins will be your best bet for making your kid happy and getting them out of the merch shop as quickly as possible.
  8. Money: Let’s be honest, the parent who videos every match is the most important person on that court. Make sure you have enough coin to ply them with any and all food and beverage, ensuring you get first access to that Academy Award winning video when you get home.
  9. Team Parent: The second most valuable person at the court for the weekend is your team designated parent. This person will corral your kid making sure they are at the proper court at the right time with the right hair tie in. Planning dinners and events for 12 girls and 24 parents is hard, but the team parent makes it look effortless.
  10. Disgruntled siblings: Baby brother or sister doesn’t want to be there…too bad. Hand them an iPad and some headphones and go about your business.