Youth Soccer EquipmentSoccer requires the simplest of gear, however, youth soccer equipment can be quite confusing if your new to soccer. hopefully, this page will give you a solid foundation on the gear your player needs to play soccer. Shin Guards: The most important piece of youth soccer equipment is shin guards. This needs to be comfortable and simple. The three most common types of shin guards on the market today are below. The first is the sock and shin guard already together, the second is the shin guard with ankle support, and the last is a one strap shin guard without ankle support. If you buy the first, you don't need a sock since it already has one. The other two need a long sock to go over the shin guard to keep it in place. The sock and shin guard makes it easy for you as a parent but sometimes they are hard to find in small sizes and you need to make sure you consistently wash them (they can get quite nasty). I don't think kids under 7 years old need the ankle support. It can be uncomfortable and a hassle to put on small little legs (if you can't find small ones for your child cut the ankle part out and convert it into just the guard that you can slip into the long sock). The third simple shin guard makes it easy to slip on quickly. Just make sure you get the long socks or it does not stay on. The shin guard is the most important piece of youth soccer equipment so make sure it's comfortable and secure. 
Soccer Socks: The socks are just as important as the shin guards because they will keep the shin guard in place and when your child participates in any league it will be a requirement. In the end this is what your child should look like. Soccer Cleats
The Pictures above shows you three different cleats. Some may ask what is the difference? If you don't know much about soccer it is easy to assume they all are the same just different styles of youth soccer equipment. There is a big difference and your child will suffer from the wrong type of cleats. The first pair of cleats at the top left are true soccer cleats. simple with molded cleats made from leather or synthetic leather. The cleats in the middle are football and the cleats to the right are baseball cleats. I have seen many kids come out to soccer with baseball or football cleats and I cringe because every time they kick it's with their toe. The reason they use their toe is because both football and baseball cleats are bulky and have studs at the toe with extra leather covering. This facilitates toe kicking and does not allow the child fully point the toe down. The soccer cleat is narrow almost pointy at the toe. With football and baseball cleats there is a bigger kick with the toe and facilitates a very bad habit! So please make sure to get some simple soccer cleats. shoes or sneakers with rubber toes will prevent your child from getting touch on the ball and will facilitate toe kicking. So if you don't have youth soccer equipment make sure the shoes are not heavy at the toe. Return to home page from youth soccer equipment
Coaching soccer? go to our how to play soccer page to get some tips |
| Nearest Soccer Equipment Specialty Stores |
| Coliseum Soccer 1955 West Texas Street, Fairfield, CA |
| Soccer & Lifestyle 517 2nd Street, Davis, CA |
| Athletic Galore 500 Stone Road, Benicia, CA |