Last Updated on: 25th July 2025, 10:19 am
What to Pack in Your Matchday Kit Bag
The Ultimate Matchday Checklist
It’s matchday. The lads are warming up, but the bibs are still in your garage. The goalkeeper’s missing gloves. You forgot the pump again. Does all that sound familiar? Matchday chaos is all too common. A well-packed kit bag can be the difference between a smooth matchday and a stressful one. That’s why we’ve put together a matchday checklist. It covers everything from kit and equipment to admin and first aid. Take a read and then download a free printable copy. That way, you’ll stay match-ready every weekend.
Why do you need a Matchday Checklist?
Have you ever finally gotten to the pitch after a long, stressful drive and realised you’d forgotten something? It’s happened to us all. Game days can be stressful, and you don’t always have enough time. So, it’s easy to miss some of your football must-haves. That’s why a matchday checklist is so helpful. It reduces stress and saves time in the morning. Meaning you can focus on getting your head in the game. Our matchday tips mean no rushing around before heading out of the door.
The Essential Matchday Checklist
1. Kit Essentials
- Football kit – match shirt, shorts and socks
- Football boots
- Spare kit in case of an emergency
- Captain’s armband
- Goalkeeper kit
- Goalkeeper gloves
2. Match Equipment
- Match footballs
- Ball pump
- Cones for the warm-up
- Training bibs for pre-match drills
- Whistle and corner flags (if needed)
3. Admin and Paperwork
- First aid kit (see the FA guidance here)
- Coach notepad
- Magnetic tactic board
- Team sheets
4. Weather and Comfort
- Spare socks and base layers
- Towels
- Waterproof jacket
- Suncream (for summer matches)
- Gloves or hats (for winter matches)
5. Extras
- Water bottles (one per player or shareable ones)
- Snacks (especially for younger teams)
- Hand sanitizer and bin bags
- Portable boot brush or scraper
Get Your Own
Want an easy way to ensure you’re always match-ready? Download and print off our Manager & Player checklist so you’re always matchday ready. Our free checklist has a list of everything you need for matches and training sessions. You can print it off, keep it on your phone, or send it out to your players. That way, you don’t need to worry about anyone turning up without something essential.
What other things should you be doing?
If you want to be extra prepared, we recommend packing the night before so you’re not rushing or can’t find something last-minute. As a manager, you want to prepare for as many eventualities as possible. Maybe keep a ball pump in your car just in case? Consider having extras of anything your players might miss. For example, take additional water bottles or socks. Make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities in advance. You might be able to delegate some tasks to assistants or parents. Just make sure you give everyone enough warning and let them know exactly what they need to do.
Where can you get your Matchday equipment?
Obviously, the key to packing a matchday bag is having everything you need in advance. Good preparation equals a good experience. At Pendle, we offer training wear, football kits, and more. Grab essential equipment, including water bottles, cones and pop-up goals. Make sure to check out our Football Training Equipment tab here!
Tags: football, Football advice, football essentials, football match preparation, football matches