Youth Soccer Equipment

The youth soccer equipment your child needs to play soccer. To participate in soccer we recommend the following soccer gear.

Soccer requires the simplest of gear, however, the equipment can be quite confusing if your new to the game. hopefully, this page will give you a solid foundation on the soccer gear your youth needs to play.

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. At our soccer school we don't require them or shinguards and I will explain later why.

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 to the left. 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 equipment so make sure it's comfortable and secure. Again, at our soccer school we don't require them for the reason that at the initiation phase the equipment is really a but much and can be uncomfortable.

youth soccer cleats
Youth equipment

Youth Soccer Equipment: Cleats

The cleats above are baseball and American football cleats. They are completely different than soccer cleats in many ways. The most important being functionality. These cleats aren't made to make contact with ball only to keep traction on the field. One thing you need to consider is what season your playing and what the fields are like. Turf fields don't need big cleats. Turf shoes would almost be better. If you are playing in the summer and fall dry season the grass may be dirt hard. Again, smaller more turf like cleats may actually be better for the player. Use your judgement on what type of cleats your player needs but don't feel like you need to purchase them right away. As long as the footwear is comfortable, secure, and not rubber toes yo are fine.

Youth soccer equipment cleats

The pair of cleats to the left are true soccer cleats. simple with molded cleats made from leather or synthetic leather. The other two are football and baseball cleats. I have seen many kids come out to to the field 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 to 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. If you don't have proper equipment make sure the shoes are not heavy at the toe.

Good tips for buying gear

Here are some tips for you when buying youth soccer equipment. 

1. Don't be price driven. I have purchased $100 cleats and they have been garbage. Go with is affordable. If you player enjoys soccer they will be wanting more expensive ones later. 

2. Width matters with cleats. Make sure the cleats are comfortable and fit the width of the foot. If they don't fit well, the player will not perform. It's almost better to where active shoes that fit better. 

3. Shinguards are not made that well. Cut the shinguards from any straps or ankle protection straps and use long socks to keep in place. You can purchase ankle straps or use tape to keep the shinguards in place so they don't fall into the foot. 

4. If your child has a bad habit of putting their hands in pockets make sure the shorts don't have any. This makes things easier for the coach. 


Back to home from youth soccer equipment

How to play soccer page

Basic soccer rules page

Soccer practice plan page

Youth soccer gear for sale