How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies During Soccer Training
As the weather heats up, beloved outdoor sports can be played again. With this in mind, many young athletes are preparing to join soccer clubs to hone their skills, enhance their physical fitness, and learn important life skills. If your child is prone to seasonal allergies and you’re worried about extended outdoor time, here are a few tips to ensure soccer training can continue without this nuisance.
4 Allergy Management Tips For Soccer Training
1. Consider Protective Gear
Seasonal allergies are exacerbated by exposure to pollen and grass. To minimize unwanted symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and watering eyes, use protective gear. Wearing athletic goggles or eyewear during soccer training can reduce eye irritation. Wearing long-sleeves, long shorts, and tall socks over shinguards can protect against skin reactions when falling or participating in conditioning exercises.
2. Swap Clothes & Shower
Immediately following practice and games, instruct your child to shower and change their clothes. This will ensure pollen, dust, and other allergens do not follow them around for the rest of the day. Washing uniforms, bags, and workout gear regularly can also protect against allergies.
3. Check Pollen Count
When your child is particularly sensitive to pollen, check daily counts. On tough days, talk to the coach about indoor training opportunities or practicing at a time of day when pollen counts are lower. By doing this, you can rework your child’s schedule or take additional measures to ensure comfort without their missing out on the fun of soccer training.
4. Allergy Medication
At the start of the season, schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care physician. Talk to your doctor about seasonal allergies and your child's plan to join a soccer club. Your doctor may be able to provide an allergy shot or recommend over-the-counter allergy medications to promote comfort. Eye drops can also be helpful to prevent red, irritated eyes when playing.
If your child has expressed interest in soccer training, Beachside Soccer Club in Norwalk, CT, is the perfect youth athletics organization to enroll them in. With experienced coaches and a commitment to helping each child improve their skills while learning fundamental life lessons, this inclusive soccer club is ready to welcome your athlete. To discuss the upcoming season, call today at (203) 852-6969. For more information on their philosophy and what to expect when your child joins, visit their website.