Game Day Starts the Night Before: How to Prep for Early Kickoffs Like a Pro Soccer Mom

We’ve all been there—your alarm goes off way too early, and somehow you and your soccer kid are supposed to function, fuel up, and show up at the field looking like you're ready for game time. But here’s the truth: early morning games don’t have to be chaos. With a few thoughtful routines, you can set your kid (and yourself) up for success—even at 8 AM kickoff.

The Timeline: Let’s Work Backwards

If the game starts at 8:00 AM…

• Be at the field by 7:30 for warm-ups.

• Leave the house by 7:00.

• Eat at least 2 hours before the game = breakfast at 6:00 AM.

• Which means... wake-up around 5:50–6:00 AM. (Yes, really.)

  
  

Fuel First: A Balanced Breakfast for Energy & Focus

Skipping breakfast is one of the most common mistakes—and one of the easiest to fix. A great game day breakfast should include:

• Oats (overnight oats work great if mornings are a rush!)

• Raspberries or kiwi for vitamins and carbs

• Boiled egg or scrambled egg for protein

• Water—hydration starts now, not when they get to the field

Soccer Mom Hack: Prep overnight oats the night before. Add fruit in the morning, and it’s ready to go in minutes.

The Night Before: Pack Like a Pro

Getting everything ready the night before saves both time and your sanity. Here's your must-do list:

• Double-check the game kit (jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards)

• Pack extra jersey/layers in case of weather changes

• Fill and chill the water bottle

• Load the car with your folding chair, snacks, blanket, whatever you need

• Set out cleats and gear so they’re not running around barefoot in the morning

Sleep: The Most Underrated Performance Tool

Your kid needs proper rest—especially before a game. That means no sleepovers, no screens late at night, and a consistent bedtime based on their age:

• Ages 5–10: 9–11 hours

• Tweens/Teens: 8–10 hours

Sleep is essential for focus, energy, and injury prevention. So yes—bedtime matters.

Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Early games don’t have to mean chaos and crankiness. With a few intentional routines (and maybe some overnight oats), your family can show up calm, confident, and game-day ready. Trust me—your kid’s coach will thank you, and so will their performance on the field.