In our neighborhood, autumn is the very busiest season for youth sports. In the late afternoon, the local park is a beehive of activity - soccer, fall baseball, Pop Warner football, cheer leading, etc. And part of mother’s role beyond getting your child to the practices and watching the games is planning for your turn to bring the “after-game snacks.”

True disclosure, I am a veteran at youth sports, since my older son is leaving for college this month. We have been continuously involved with youth sports since he was in kindergarten. These are two true stories about after-game snacks:

•  Our first year of tee ball, the first mom to bring the snack brought a paper bag full of goodies for each boy. The bags included an extra large Capri Sun, a six pack of Oreos, a bag of chips and a Rice Krispy Treat. The kids were delighted with this snack and the rest of us felt we had to continue to meet the bar she set.
• A few years later my husband was coaching. Whoever was scheduled to bring snack one day had apparently forgotten and the kids were disappointed. It must have been near Halloween since my husband had a roll of Smarties (very small roll of candies) in his pocket. He announced to the boys, “No worries, I have the snack”. He opened up his roll of Smarties and gave every child one very small candy and guess what, the boys were delighted!

 So here are my pearls of wisdom gained after 13 years of team snacks:

•  The younger the child, the smaller the snack should be.
• Speak up about team snacks early in the season – attempt to get agreement from parents about the type and size of snacks.
• Encourage nutrient-rich choices, banana, slice of watermelon, a chug of chocolate milk, string cheese, Clementines; although avoid going too healthy as it will make you an unpopular mom (no carrot sticks or bran muffins…)
• Young children do not need a large sports drink (they sell smaller sizes). Refillable water bottles brought from home are best.
• If the game spans meal time, consider having a team potluck meal after the game.

 Remember, children typically do not need these snacks to replace calories burned during the game. The amount of exercise during the game can be fairly nominal. That said, a treat after the game is fun and for some kids the highlight.

Enjoy your time in youth sports. Trust me, it goes by very quickly.

Maureen Bligh, MA, RD

Project Manager