Is your son or daughter playing soccer for the first time, and are you not sure what you need to buy? We’re here to help you! This article will go over the most vital shopping tips and advice for parents of new soccer players.
When beginning to play soccer, there are a few things you need to purchase.
Youth cleats come in sizes as small as 8k, so even the smallest kids can start playing the beautiful game! Nike, adidas, Puma, Diadora, New Balance and Umbro all have great options for beginner cleats. The odds are that your child will outgrow their cleats before they run through them, so you may be able to go a half-size larger to extend the shoe's life.
Soccer Post Tip: Young new players LOVE to wear their cleats everywhere. This is not recommended. The cleats could get uneven wear and make them less effective on the field. It is also not good for your child’s feet and legs to wear cleats on hard surfaces since the studs are not even on the bottom.
Every soccer player needs a pair of shin guards. There are a few different styles of shin guards available: over-the-ankle, full-length shinguards, slip-in shinguards, and shin socks. Most new players go with the first two options.
Young players don’t want to have to readjust their guards every five minutes, so it's important to have a shin guard that will stay in place. For beginner youth players, the best option is usually over-the-ankle full-length shin guards. This style is the easiest to keep in place because the material wraps around the ankle.
Soccer Post Tip: When your new player puts on their shin guards, ensure they wear them UNDER the socks.
Socks seem like a given, but they have to be mentioned. When preparing for your first soccer season, purchase knee-high socks. Knee-high socks offer another layer of protection and comfort compared to ankle socks and are required in games to have a proper uniform.
Soccer Post Tip: Socks get dirty fast, so you will do plenty of laundry. Do yourself a favor and get an extra pair!
Every kid will ask for water at some point in their practice or game and they need to stay hydrated, so be sure to send them with a water bottle. Soccer Post has a wide variety of water bottles available, but any water bottle will do.
Soccer Post Tip: Make sure to put their name on the bottle so they don’t get lost or mixed up with other players.
Soccer isn’t soccer without a ball. Purchasing a soccer ball can be trickier than you think if you don’t know the size you should buy.
When purchasing a ball, you will look at three main sizes – sizes 3, 4 and 5. The balls get bigger as the number size increases. Size 3 is for anyone eight years or younger, size 4 is for anyone ages 8-11, and size 5 is for anyone ages 12 and up, including professionals.
Soccer Post Tip: The ball will be your new player’s favorite part of their gear, so let them choose it. Soccer Post has plenty of striking colors and designs to choose from.
Learn more about the different-sized soccer balls in our article!
This is the most optional item to buy your player before the season starts. If your child plays recreational soccer, you likely do not have to buy a huge bag; any small drawstring bag will work. When your child progresses into travel soccer and has more things to put into their bag, you can look into purchasing a bigger bag.
Soccer Post Tip: Backpacks are recommended for young players. Soccer-specific backpacks usually have compartments for your player’s ball and shoes. Stop in and check them out today!
More Soccer Post Tips:
Cold Weather Gear
If your child is beginning soccer, be prepared for the weather. Especially in the early spring, the weather is unpredictable, and it can be warm one day and freezing the next. Always send your child with a jacket and other cold-weather gear.
Check out our blog that covers all the cold weather gear essentials.
Jersey Care
Follow these simple instructions to avoid damaging your player's jersey and other club apparel:
With the season about to begin, grab all the soccer essentials for your child before their first practice!
Stop by at your local Soccer Post and find everything you need!
