What to buy for a sports day

A sports day needs more than balls and cones. Alongside the equipment for each activity, you will need shade, seating, coolers, waste bins, drinks, snacks, lunch packs and basic first aid supplies. Buy or borrow equipment based on the number of teams and activity stations, then add spares for items that are easily lost or damaged. Check the forecast before buying extra shelter, and chill drinks at least 12 hours before the event.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Changing boothsqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Waste binsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 8
Basketballsqty 6
Volleyballsqty 6
Handballsqty 6
Softballsqty 12
Tennis ballsqty 24
Tennis racketsqty 12
Hockey sticksqty 16
Conesqty 60
Marker discsqty 40
Vestsqty 80
Relay batonsqty 12
Skipping ropesqty 12
Tug-of-war ropesqty 2
Obstacle blocksqty 12
Hoopsqty 20
Reaction laddersqty 4
Mini goalsqty 6
Volleyball netsqty 2
Starting blocksqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 8
Measuring tapesqty 4
Whistlesqty 12
Scoreboardsqty 8
Match cardsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Line dispenserqty 2
Field marking tapeqty 12
Start flagsqty 4
Trophiesqty 12
Medalsqty 40
Prize certificatesqty 40

Equipment

Public address microphone
Wireless speakerqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Battery chargersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Light Stripsqty 4

Decorations

Directional signsqty 12
Start and finish signqty 2
Team flagsqty 12
Wristbandsqty 120

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 20
Ice cube traysqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning spongesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 2
First aid kitqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Hamburgers - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Hot dogs - 100 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 140 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 120 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 kilograms
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 4 kilograms
- Corn - 12 cans
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Pasta salad - 12 kilograms
- Potato salad - 10 kilogram
- Fruit salad - 10 kilograms
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Raisins - 4 kilograms
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free hamburgers - 8 pieces
- Vegan burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salad dressing - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Charcoal - 6 bags
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Cleaning cloths - 30 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sports tape - 8 rolls
- Cooling packs - 24 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles

Tips

Plan one equipment set for each activity running at the same time, plus at least 10% spare balls, cones and marker discs. This prevents one missing item from delaying the match schedule.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for every additional hour. Add extra water for warm weather and keep it in coolers rather than relying on a single serving point.
Buy or pack one lunch pack per registered participant, with 10% extra for late additions or damaged packs. Keep dietary-requirement foods clearly separated and labelled before loading the vehicle.
For outdoor sports, arrange shade before event day: one party tent or equivalent covered area for every 20–30 people is a practical starting point. Add folding tables for registration, food and equipment rather than using the playing area.
Restock first aid supplies before shopping day and bring enough plasters, disinfectant, cold packs and bandages for several minor injuries. Pack spare batteries or fully charged stopwatches and other battery-powered equipment the evening before.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a sports day?: Plan one lunch pack and at least 3–4 drinks per person for a half-day sports day. Add fruit and snacks for one serving per person every 2–3 hours, with 10% extra for unexpected participants.
How many sports balls and cones do I need?: Use at least one ball and 6–10 cones per active station, then add 10% spare equipment. If football, basketball and volleyball run at the same time, prepare a separate set for each court or field.
What should I bring for a sports day in rainy weather?: Prepare covered space for all participants, equipment and food, using party tents or another suitable shelter. Check the forecast 48 hours before the event and bring waterproof storage, extra towels and dry clothing if rain is likely.
When should I buy and prepare sports day supplies?: Buy non-perishable supplies 3–7 days before the event and collect rented furniture or equipment at least 1 day beforehand. Chill drinks for 12 hours, portion snacks the evening before and pack the final list on event morning.

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