As a parent, finding active pursuits for your children keeps them physically fit, energized, and bonded to friends their own age. Enrolling their little one in a youth soccer club is popular among parents, as this team sport teaches discipline, agility, and coordination while having fun. If your child has started soccer training or another form of physical activity, here's a quick guide to how and why hydration is crucial to the experience.

Understanding the Importance of Hydration for Young Athletes

Why is Hydration Crucial?

Dehydration occurs when an individual is sweating and losing more fluids than they are consuming. Without enough water in the body, it's difficult to maintain normal functions. Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, confusion, dry mouth, dry tongue, muscle cramps, increased irritability, sunken eyes, and dizziness. When first joining a soccer club, your child may be exercising more than usual as they run around and learn new skills in the sun or warm weather. 

If your child isn't taking frequent breaks to sip water and is sweating, it can lead to dehydration. By drinking enough liquids, your child can keep up with their soccer club without any health risks.

How Can Parents Keep Their Little Ones Hydrated?

Oftentimes, children fail to recognize when they are thirsty, or they may be resistant to drinking water. In addition to packing them a full water bottle for every practice and game, consider providing a sports beverage that contains electrolytes. Flavor water with a splash of lemon or fruit juice so they enjoy the taste. Remind your young athlete to take breaks and sip three to five gulps of water every 15 to 30 minutes during training. 

Promote hydration as a focus throughout the day and always pair meals and snacks with a tall glass of water. In addition, educate your youth athletes about checking their urine. When they are properly hydrated, their urine should be a light yellow or clear in color. Darker shades mean they need to increase their water intake. 

If you're looking for a youth soccer club for your little ones that focuses on a love for the sport while staying healthy and hydrated, Beachside Soccer Club has an option for you. Based in Norwalk, CT, this youth athletics organization is known throughout Fairfield County for top-notch training that develops physicality and positive character traits. To learn about tryouts, call today at (203) 852-6969. For more information on their coaches and training approach, visit their website.