Little Kickers, Big Weather: The Ultimate Guide for Weatherproof Football Fun in Preschool
For preschoolers, football is a fantastic way to discover coordination, team spirit, and the joy of movement. But unlike with older players, the focus here is not on tactics and performance, but on fun and safety. And both are significantly influenced by the weather. With the right preparation, any weather can be perfect football weather.
1. The Weather Check: The Most Important Game Preparation
Before the kids rush onto the field, a quick but accurate weather check is essential.
- Temperature & Feels Like Temperature: Young children cool down faster and overheat more easily. The "feels like" temperature, which takes the wind chill effect into account, is often more important than the actual degree number.
- Hourly Forecast: Plan the most intensive play phases for the most pleasant hours of the day. On hot days, the morning is ideal; on cool autumn days, the warmer afternoon.
- Precipitation Radar: A quick look at the radar shows if a shower is threatening in the next hour. This allows you to plan a break in a dry place in time.
2. The Right Gear: The Layering Principle on the Pitch
The right clothing is the key to keeping the children happy.
- In Sunshine and Warmth: Light, breathable sportswear and definitely a sun hat or cap. Remember sunscreen with a high SPF, applied at least 30 minutes before the game.
- In the Cold: The layering principle is perfect here. A long functional base layer, a jersey over it, and a light training jacket if needed. a thin hat and gloves prevent the body from cooling down through the head and hands.
- In the Rain: A light, waterproof rain jacket over the jersey keeps the upper body dry. In heavy rain, rain pants can be useful. Shoes with good grip are important to avoid slipping on wet grass. Spare socks for afterwards are worth their weight in gold!
3. Drinking and Eating: Energy for Little Champions
The energy and fluid needs of young children are high in relation to their body weight.
- Hydration is Everything: Plan fixed, regular drinking breaks (every 15-20 minutes), especially in the heat. Still water is the best choice. On cold days, warm, unsweetened tea is a welcome change.
- Light Energy Snacks: Avoid heavy, sugary snacks. Fruit pieces (banana, apple, grapes), small rice cakes, or granola bars without chocolate are ideal. They provide quick energy without weighing down the stomach.
4. Adapting Play and Training to the Weather
- In Heat: Shorten the playing times and extend the breaks in the shade. Integrate water games, e.g., with a spray bottle or a lawn sprinkler, as a fun way to cool down.
- In Rain: Use the rain! "Puddle dribbling" or "mud sliding" (on a safe, soft meadow) are great fun and promote coordination in difficult conditions. Focus on games in a small space to avoid long sprints on slippery ground.
- In Cold: Start with a longer, playful warm-up (e.g., tag games) to prepare the muscles well. Keep the children constantly moving and avoid long periods of standing where they could get cold.
5. Safety Always Comes First: When to Stop?
As a coach or parent, you need to know when to end the game.
- Thunderstorms: If there is thunder or lightning, leave the field immediately and without discussion and seek a safe indoor space. The 30-30 rule is a good guide: count the seconds between the flash and the thunder. If it's less than 30, the danger is acute. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside again.
- Extreme Heat/Cold: Watch for signs of overheating (bright red, dry skin, listlessness) or hypothermia (severe shivering, blue lips, apathy). When in doubt, always prefer to stop the training.
- Storms: In strong winds that make it difficult to run or could blow branches from trees, training should be canceled.
By treating the weather as part of the game and tailoring your planning to it, you not only teach the children football skills but also an important life skill: the ability to adapt flexibly to different conditions and make the best of any situation.