Sport is an important part of childhood. Whether it’s football, cricket, netball, athletics or weekend training sessions, playing sport helps kids build confidence, stay active and develop teamwork skills. But when the weather is warm or training sessions are intense, kids can heat up quickly during sport.
Children’s bodies are still developing and they may not always recognise when they are becoming overheated. That’s why it’s important for parents and coaches to encourage simple habits that help kids stay cool and comfortable while playing sport.
Here are some practical cooling tips to help kids perform their best while staying safe in warm conditions.
Encourage regular hydration
Hydration is one of the most important ways to help kids regulate body temperature during sport.
As children run and play, their bodies sweat to release heat. Drinking water regularly helps replace the fluids lost through sweat and supports the body’s natural cooling process.
Encourage kids to drink water before training begins and during regular breaks throughout the session. For longer games or competitions, bringing a personal water bottle can help ensure they always have water available.
Choose lightweight, breathable clothing
Clothing can make a big difference in how comfortable kids feel during sport.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics allow sweat to evaporate more easily and help prevent heat from becoming trapped against the skin. Light-coloured clothing can also reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption during outdoor play.
Many sports uniforms are already designed with breathable materials, but choosing comfortable training clothing can help kids stay cooler during practice sessions.
Take breaks
During warm weather, regular breaks are important for helping the body cool down.
Encourage kids to rest in shaded areas between drills or during game intervals. Even short periods out of direct sunlight can help reduce heat build-up and allow the body to recover.
Parks, trees or covered seating areas can provide welcome shade during sports training and games.
Use simple cooling methods
There are several simple ways to help kids cool down during or after sport.
Splashing water on the face or neck, drinking cold water or sitting in the shade can help reduce the feeling of overheating. Some families also use cooling towels that provide a refreshing cooling sensation when placed around the neck or shoulders.
Cooling towels work through evaporative cooling, where moisture in the fabric helps draw heat away from the skin. Because they are lightweight and easy to carry in a sports bag, they can be a convenient option after training or during rest breaks.
Plan sports activities during cooler times
Whenever possible, it can help to schedule sports activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or later in the afternoon.
Avoiding the hottest hours of the day can reduce the risk of overheating and help children feel more comfortable while playing.
This can be particularly helpful during the Australian summer when midday temperatures can rise quickly.
Help kids recognise signs of overheating
Teaching kids to listen to their bodies is an important part of staying safe during sport.
If a child starts to feel unusually tired, dizzy, nauseous or overheated, it’s important for them to take a break, move into the shade and drink water.
Encouraging kids to speak up when they feel too hot helps create a safer sporting environment.
Stay Cool on the Field/Court/Pitch with the COOLMi Active Cooling Towel
At COOLMi, we know how important it is for kids to stay cool, comfortable and focused while playing sport.
The Active COOLMi Cooling Towel is designed for movement - whether it’s weekend games, school sport, training sessions or outdoor play. Lightweight and easy to wear around the neck, it helps draw heat away from the body so kids can keep going, even on warm days.
Simply add water, squeeze and shake to activate instant cooling. No chemicals, no fuss - just quick, refreshing relief when they need it most. And when it starts to warm up again, a simple shake reactivates the cooling effect.
Perfect for everything from soccer and netball to athletics, tennis or just playing outside, the Active towel is a simple way to help kids stay cool, comfortable and ready to perform.
🧊 Explore the Active COOLMi Cooling Towel range here: https://coolmitowel.com.au/collections/active-cooling-towel
