The Essential Youth Soccer Equipment Checklist

Kid’s sports are a fun and simple way for your children to get exercise, socialize with peers, and develop skills. If your child loves to run and kick, then soccer may be the sport for your family. Ensure your child’s success and safety with the items on the essential youth soccer equipment checklist.

Soccer Cleats

Kids love running around, but soccer involves a whole new level of footwork they must learn. To achieve their best on the field, they need soccer cleats with a sea of studs underneath. Take your child to a sporting goods store and find a pair that fits well and feels comfortable. The last thing you want is your child to constantly pause mid-game to re-tie their shoes or have trouble with post-practice blisters.

Shin Guards

Soccer is all about moving your feet, which means your daughter or son will be around a swarm of kicking children. Shin guards are a must-have for any player, but especially for kids playing amongst other kids who lack fine-tuned foot-eye motor skills. Protect your child’s legs with a pair of shin guards that strap or sit in place underneath their socks.

Soccer Outfits

Regardless of your child’s age and skill level, they will have numerous practices and games week after week. To get through the onslaught of exercise, your child will need a handful of soccer outfits. Find fun, cute athletic shirts and shorts that they can wear on or off the field. Don’t forget to add knit knee-length socks to the list, too.

Performance Gear

As a soccer parent, you primarily want your child to have fun. But you also want them to perform at their best. Equip them with gear that helps them succeed on the field at practice and during games.

In your child’s soccer bag, they should have a full water bottle, the right size soccer ball for their age, a backup change of clothes, a mini ball pump, and a fun snack. If your child has health-related needs, you should factor those in as well. You wouldn’t want your child to get on the field without their prescription sports glasses for soccer.

Do your best to find each item on the essential youth soccer equipment checklist before your child’s first practice. If you have trouble finding any of these items, consult the other parents on the team and ask where they found their gear. With all their needs addressed, your child can run onto the field feeling confident and prepared.