How to Travel With Your Soccer Equipment

Summary: Traveling with soccer equipment may initially seem like a hassle but there are a few tips you can follow to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you are a fan of The Beautiful Game, chances are you want the flexibility of playing wherever you go. Traveling with a snowboard, for example, is fairly simple. You need to place the board in a secure carrying case and check it in for the flight, just like you normally would for a suitcase. However, things can get a little more complicated when you want to travel with soccer equipment. Below are some things to keep in mind that can help you bring the sport with you wherever your travels may take you.

In the Plane

It is no secret that most airports and airlines tend to have fairly strict rules for what you can and cannot bring with you. Luckily, the TSA has stated that soccer balls are allowed in carry-on bags. If you own a soccer back pack you can easily store a good amount of your equipment in it. These are handy, because most come with special compartments that can help you keep your items both secure and organized. However, if you are traveling with a lot of equipment, a rolling carry-on suitcase may be more practical and easier to move around with.

Due to the fact that you will be flying high above the ground, make sure to deflate your soccer ball before arriving at the airport. This will prevent the ball from popping from the added pressure and it will give you more room in your bag for storage. Pack a ball pump with you in your checked baggage, so you can keep the game going when you land.

Keep It Clean

Soccer is not the cleanest sport. There is a good chance that your cleats, shin-guards, and soccer ball are dirty and most likely even smelly. When you are traveling, the last thing you want is for your sweaty athletic gear to rub against your clean shirts and pants and leave stains. Small travel bags can be picked up at Soccer Garage and other sports stores to store your equipment comfortably. The bags will separate your athletic items and some are even designed to help control odors from leaking.

Where to Play

If you are traveling to a new destination and are not familiar with the area, it can be challenging to find a place to practice soccer. Search around online for reviews of local parks, sports clubs, and gyms that you can take advantage of to continue improving any day of the week.