Soccer Training Equipment For Your Child: The Essentials

Parents always want to make sure their kid has the best of everything as they hit the soccer field. And rightly so, no matter what sport your child plays, you want them to be safe and protected when playing. Your child has watched his favorite players on television and wondered how they could move and control the ball like them. As a parent, you want to give your child the best soccer training equipment for his age. This will lead to your child being healthy and having a great time playing the game of soccer. Hopefully, this guide will help you select the best equipment for your child.

Shin Guards

An essential piece of equipment your child needs is shinguards. These are worn under their socks and help protect their legs from getting hurt inside their turf soccer shoes. In some leagues, these are required, but in others, they aren't. However, if your child will be playing on any surface other than grass or artificial turf, they should wear shin guards for safety's sake. There are many different types of shin guards available. Some are made out of plastic, while others are made out of foam-like materials that don't put pressure on the shinbone while still protecting it from hard or sharp objects.

The Right Cleats

Cleats are essential when playing soccer on grass, but they're also important on turf and artificial surfaces. Since they're worn on your feet, you might think that cleats are all the same. However, different sports require different shoes. For example, baseball cleats feature small studs that dig into the ground to prevent sliding when hitters get ready to swing. Turf soccer shoes feature high tops for ankle support and padded soles to absorb impacts on hard courts. Soccer cleats are essential because they provide excellent traction without being too aggressive, helping players change direction quickly while maintaining balance.

Shorts

The shorts will be your child's most important gear because that is where the shin guards go. The shorts have to have pockets on the sides to hold the shin guard and a padded pocket inside for the cup. Compression shorts are the best because they are much more comfortable than regular shorts. They also help prevent chafing and irritation while running around on hot days.

Practice T-shirts

Most youth soccer programs provide t-shirts and turf soccer shoes for their players to wear for games, but not necessarily for practices. That's why you'll want to have a few practice t-shirts on hand so your child can play without worrying about laundry or getting stains.

Goalkeeper Gloves

Gloves are the most important piece of equipment for any soccer goalkeeper. The hands and fingers are extremely vulnerable during play, so gloves protect the hands and fingers. Goalkeeper gloves have extra padding in the palms and fingers and a unique design that covers most of the hand to provide additional protection against injury. Goalie gloves also provide excellent gripping power when catching or punching away shots on goal. Be sure to choose high-quality goalie gloves made from durable materials and with a reinforced palm.

Soccer Jersey Uniform

Like their shorts and socks, your child's soccer jersey should be made of lightweight, breathable fabric. The best practice is to buy a jersey that matches the official uniform for your child's team. When ordering soccer jerseys, it's also important to check that the height and weight measurements provided on the sizing chart will fit your child.

Water Bottle

A water bottle is perhaps the most important soccer training equipment for kids and adults alike. It's especially important during warm weather months to ensure players stay hydrated and don't suffer from dehydration or heat stroke. In fact, it's a good rule of thumb that every player should bring a water bottle to practice, regardless of the temperature outside. You never know when you or your child will need a refreshing drink.

A Sports Bag

No matter what type of equipment you're going to buy for your child, it needs to be kept somewhere! Sure, you could make them carry the soccer ball around, but a proper soccer training bag will hold everything they need, such as their turf soccer shoes, and make sure they can easily get to it. Plus, you'll always know exactly where everything is. Most bags have several pockets and compartments so that your child can organize their gear as they like.

A Ball

This one is obvious, but it's important to pick the right ball for your child's age and skill level. Smaller kids should use a ball that's size three. Sizes four and five are appropriate for older kids in school leagues. But being able to handle these larger sizes doesn't necessarily mean they're ready to play with them in games. For example, even if your child is skilled enough to play with a size-five ball, it might be too heavy for them to kick effectively in competition due to its weight.

Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are important for all ages as they protect the player's teeth and gums from injury during a game or practice. They should fit snugly over the teeth but not so tight that it is difficult for your child to open their mouth. You can find them in several colors and styles, allowing for some customization.

Long Socks

Long, padded soccer socks are usually among the top soccer training items. When you're outfitting your child for soccer practice, choose long socks designed specifically for soccer players. In addition to providing padding, these socks keep shin guards in place and protect players from blisters by keeping the shin guards away from their skin.

Bottom Line

There you have it! Those are just a few of the very basics of soccer training equipment. This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many other items available for training, but these items should give you a good place to start, especially the turf soccer shoes. If your child is starting, the items discussed above will be instrumental in their development as they pursue soccer and become the best player they can be. Remember to shop around, look for sales and specials, and always check the quality of the products well. There are many options out there when it comes to soccer gear, but your young athlete is sure to be pleased with their new gear!