Packing for a sports team tour isn't just about stuffing kit, & often questionably clean kit, into a bag and hoping for the best. Done right, it's smarter prep, done wrong, it's chaos away from home or local support & the chance of running out in dirty socks& mismatched boots.
This guide helps you get packing down to short order science, without stripping the fun out of it.
First, Set the Ground Rules
Before anything gets zipped, everyone needs the same clear brief:
- A full, itemised packing list
- Luggage weight limits (especially if flying)
- Luggage size limits of you're driving
- What's provided and what's not (eg practice balls & kit if necessary, match balls, water bottles?)
- Packing deadline (yes, really, people forget stuff at 6am)
Send this out at least two weeks in advance and go over it at a pre-tour meeting. Put it in your WhatsApp group. Pin it. Start a fines outline on kit (forgotten or dirty) with fine finance going into the tour kitty!
Personal Kit: The Non-Negotiables
Every player should pack:
- Team kit: home and away shirts, shorts, socks (as advised by the tour manager)
- Boots, shoes or trainers (match-ready and broken in)
- Casual clothes for downtime (pay attention to the climate & forecast)
- Flip-flops/slides for showers
- Waterproof jacket
- Washbag with essentials
- Towel (not every hotel provides a decent one)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and pain relief meds
- Any personal items you need (check customs in advance if they're unusual)
- Passport (if necessary
- Insurance details - esp if going abroad, at the very least easy access to insurance info.
Extras to strongly recommend:
- Laundry bag
- Phone charger + adapter
- Small rucksack/day bag
- Book or headphones for downtime
Shared Equipment: Who Brings What?
Designate responsibilities or use a team kit manager. Essentials might include:
- Match balls (with a pump & adaptor!)
- Training kit eg bibs, cones, wickets (if necessary)
- First aid kit
- Ice packs and muscle rubs
- Kit bag for dirty/wet gear
- Spare socks, tape, strapping
- Portable speaker (for warm-up tunes or post-match vibes)
For international tours:
- Travel documents folder (passports, insurance, itinerary)
- Laminated player list with emergency contacts
- Copies of medical info (kept secure and GDPR-compliant)
Climate & Destination Prep
Spain or Scotland? Gear should match conditions:
- Warm destination: sweat-wicking kit, sun hats, hydration tabs, sun cream, swimwear
- Cold climate: thermals, hats, gloves, extra base layers
- Rain likely? Pack plastic bags for wet gear, quick-dry towels, ponchos
Also research cultural expectations, eg unlikely but are shorts frowned upon in public venues? What about denim, ripped clothing, sports shirts? Are there pool facilities? Will you be dining somewhere with a dress code?
Match-Day Bag: Pre-packed, Stress-Free
Every player should prep a separate match-day bag:
- Clean kit + spare socks
- Water and snacks
- Taping supplies
- Towel and wet wipes (if no post-match showers)
- ID and health insurance card (some venues request it)
Packing it the night before = no last-minute scrambling.
Organiser's Bag of Tricks
If you're the organiser, pack like a tour ninja. Include:
- Extra copies of the itinerary
- List of all players' medical conditions and allergies
- Access to all player's insurance details etc
- Printed accommodation details and booking confirmations
- Emergency cash, also consider a local currency card like Wise
- Power bank (dead phones cause drama)
- Zip ties, duct tape, safety pins (fix nearly anything)
Pack Light-but Smart
You don't need your whole wardrobe. You do need well-chosen layers and versatile outfits. For longer tours, plan a laundry day mid-week. Better yet, book accommodation with laundry facilities.
Set a carry-on limit for domestic trips and 20kg for international if you're flying. Use packing cubes to save space and sanity.
Optional (But Pretty Darn Good) Additions
Want to level-up the tour? Think about:
- Custom tour hoodies or t-shirts
- GoPro for memories
- Mini whiteboard for tactical sessions
- Tour mascot (silly but team-bonding gold)
- Journal or scrapbook for players to contribute to
Wrapping Up: Prepared = Relaxed
Packing isn't the sexy part of touring-but it's the foundation. A well-packed team is a relaxed, confident, and functional team. Reduce stress, boost performance, and avoid unnecessary expenses by prepping early and communicating clearly.
Need help with cultural immersion or reflection after the tour?
- Cultural Immersion: Enhancing Team Tours Beyond the Game
- Post-Tour Reflection: Evaluating and Learning from the Experience
Save time & hassle, cut costs and even earn money for the club!