I grew up in football country . . . American football. I was a football cheerleader and went to a huge football university. (Go Gators!) My hometown literally shut down on Friday nights because everyone–no really, everyone–was at the high school football game. My high school may have had a soccer team. I really don’t know. And surely my college did, but I know absolutely nothing about it.
So when my two boys decided they wanted to play soccer, I secretly hoped it would be a passing phase. In my ignorance, I thought soccer must be boring because the score is so low. How can a game with a final score of 2 to 1 be any good? And on top of that, these kids were going to turn me into a cliche. A soccer mom. And dang it, I did have a mini van.
But it turns out the millions of futbol fans around the world are not idiots. Soccer is super exciting. It really is a beautiful game that’s all about anticipation. Your stomach will drop when the score or the save is this close. You cannot look away because that could be the second they get the gooooaaaalll. (Word of advice, someone will always score when you take your preschooler to the bathroom. Just count on that. I have never seen an Albuquerque Sol player score because I have been in the bathroom with a child. Every. Time.)
Lo and behold, I have become a soccer fan and have grown to really appreciate the game. Which is a pretty good thing because with two kids in club soccer, I am at the soccer field. A lot.
(Side note, the time between these two photos was about 3 weeks. I am pretty sure that’s the truth.)
Breakfast Before Games
I really wish I could tell you that I wake up early on soccer game mornings and cook my kids a gigantic hot breakfast. But you guys, it’s Saturday! Mama’s gotta sleep. So the truth is that we are often rushing out the door to get up to the Bernalillo Soccer Complex for warm-ups. My kids will usually eat cereal before games, which actually is a great thing. Do you know what’s in cereal? Carbs. Soccer players are not the kind of athletes who stand around for a long time waiting for their turn. No way. These kids are running for an hour and half straight! They need carbs to fuel those little legs. Bacon and eggs and other heavy foods will just weigh our little athletes down.
Post Cereal has a ton of options to keep little soccer players fueled and ready to score. Honey Bunches of Oats® or Grape Nuts® would be great choices to help our kids keep their energy up during a morning game.
Soccer Game Snacks
I am down on my knees so thankful that I am past the years of team snacks. Your turn will come too! But if you’re still in the trenches of bringing snacks to games, some of the recipes on Post Cereal’s website look delish and will make you the coolest mom in town. How about Cinnamon Pebbles™ Crispy Treats, Marshmallow Crispy Treats with Fruity Pebbles, or Pebbles Trail Mix Bars?
If time is limited, you could even stir up your own trail mix that includes Post Cereal as one of the ingredients. Add some pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and raisins. Put that trail mix in some sandwich baggies, and you’re mom o’ the year!
All these snacks are also perfect for on-the-go treats for younger siblings stuck on the sidelines. We have little sister who doesn’t play yet. But she cheers her brothers on every week. Having snacks on hand for her sure does make mom’s life a lot less whiny.
Soccer Fan Treats
Anyone else glued to the TV watching some thrilling World Cup games? We are! And a fun snack during the game just makes it all the more special. The World Cup is only every four years after all!
Search through these Post Cereal recipes to find something different for game night. I’m not gonna lie. I want to try these Cinnamon Pebbles Choco Tacos in the worst way.
Speaking of soccer fans, if you have some fangirls or fanboys in your house, Post Cereal has recently partnered with Major League Soccer and is offering soccer trading cards on their cereal boxes. I know a few kids in my house are gonna be pumped about that.
Soccer Parent Giveaway
Tune in to our Facebook page this Thursday, June 28 at 1pm because two of our readers will win this soccer parent survival cooler from our partners at Post Cereal. It comes complete with one box of Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted cereal, one box of Fruity Pebbles cereal, a t-shirt, a water bottle, BandAids, an ice pack, a snack container, a battery operated fan for those hot Albuquerque games, an insulated cooler to keep your drinks cold, as well as some Post coupons and recipes to try with your family. How fun is that?
Be sure to tune in to find out how to enter!
