Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
First Competitive Soccer Season Survival Kit (U9–U13 Parents)
26
items If you're stepping into competitive soccer for the first time with a U9–U13 player, welcome to a whole new world. This isn't rec league anymore—the expectations change, the gear matters more, and nobody tells you the unwritten rules until you've alre...
Sections
9
Match-Legal Soccer Ball (Size 4)
Primary Youth Cleats (Multi-Ground)
Backup Cleats (Same Model, Half Size Up)
High-Hold Shin Guards (No Sliding)
Match Socks (Buy 2–3 Pairs)
Youth Soccer Backpack (Ball + Cleat Pocket)
Match-Legal Soccer Ball (Size 4)
We didn’t realize how fast competitive soccer wears out a ball. Some leagues won’t allow overly worn or incorrect balls for warm-ups, and kids do notice the difference. This is the right size and quality to survive regular use without turning into a ...
We've gone through several brands, and Nike balls hold up the best for competitive play. The stitching stays intact even after dozens of practice sessions, and the air retention is solid—you're not constantly re-inflating before games. Size 4 is what...
Nike Soccer Balls
Dick's house brand balls are surprisingly good quality for the price point. Perfect if you need a backup ball or don't want to stress about your kid losing an expensive one at practice. They're league-legal and durable enough for regular use—just may...
DICKS Size 4 Soccer Balls (Age 8-12)
Primary Youth Cleats (Multi-Ground)
Competitive fields change week to week — grass, turf, dry, wet. Multi-ground cleats are the safest choice and Academy-level models hit the sweet spot: good traction and comfort without paying pro-level prices. These are reliable for games, not just p...
These are the cleats we keep coming back to. The fit is consistent across sizes (crucial when buying backups), they work on multiple surfaces, and they're comfortable right out of the box. Not the cheapest option, but the quality justifies it when yo...
Phantom Cleats & Shoes. Nike.com - Soccer
Predators have a slightly wider fit than Nike, which worked better for my kid's feet. The grip pattern is aggressive enough for wet grass but doesn't catch awkwardly on turf. They run pretty true to size, and the break-in period is minimal compared t...
Predator Cleats
PUMA Futures have a unique lacing system that creates a cleaner strike zone. My kid loves how they look (which matters more than we'd like to admit at this age), and they're legitimately comfortable. Slightly narrower fit than Adidas, more comparable...
PUMA Future Tiers: What Are The Differences?
Backup Cleats (Same Model, Half Size Up)
This was the smartest mistake-prevention buy we made. Kids grow mid-season, and breaking in brand-new cleats during a tournament is miserable. Keeping the same model one half-size up saved us more than once.
These are the cleats we keep coming back to. The fit is consistent across sizes (crucial when buying backups), they work on multiple surfaces, and they're comfortable right out of the box. Not the cheapest option, but the quality justifies it when yo...
Phantom Cleats & Shoes. Nike.com - Soccer
Predators have a slightly wider fit than Nike, which worked better for my kid's feet. The grip pattern is aggressive enough for wet grass but doesn't catch awkwardly on turf. They run pretty true to size, and the break-in period is minimal compared t...
adidas Predator Soccer Cleats & Shoes | Free Curbside Pickup at DICK'S
PUMA Futures have a unique lacing system that creates a cleaner strike zone. My kid loves how they look (which matters more than we'd like to admit at this age), and they're legitimately comfortable. Slightly narrower fit than Adidas, more comparable...
PUMA FUTURE Collection
High-Hold Shin Guards (No Sliding)
Cheap shin guards slide, refs stop play, and coaches get annoyed. These stay in place and actually protect without constant adjusting. One of those items you don’t think about — until you get it wrong.
These have ankle guards attached, which some kids love and others hate—know your player's preference. They stay in place better than slip-in guards, and the protection level is solid for competitive play. The elastic straps don't lose tension after m...
adidas Youth Tiro Club Shin Guards
Simple slip-in style that works well if your kid hates the bulk of ankle guards. They're lightweight but protective, and the sleeve keeps them from sliding during games. We size up one from what the package recommends for a better fit that actually s...
Nike Charge Soccer Shin Guards
Having a variety of shin guard options matters more than you'd think—some kids' preferences change as they develop their playing style. Defenders might want more coverage; fast forwards often prefer lighter guards. Buy what works for YOUR kid, not wh...
Soccer Products | Shop All Protective Gear
Match Socks (Buy 2–3 Pairs)
Practice socks and match socks are not the same thing. Wet socks between games cause blisters and bad moods. Having extra pairs in the bag sounds minor — it isn’t on long tournament days.
The cushioning in these actually makes a difference during back-to-back games. They stay up over shin guards without rolling down, and the fit is snug enough to prevent blisters. We buy them in bulk because tournament weekends can go through multiple...
Nike Classic 2 Cushioned Over-the-Calf Socks
These are thinner than the Nike cushioned ones, which some kids prefer in hot weather. They're durable and the colors stay bright through tons of washes. Good option if your player runs hot or you're in a warmer climate.
adidas Unisex Metro 6 OTC Socks
UA socks have great moisture-wicking—genuinely noticeable on humid days. They're a bit pricier but worth it if your kid deals with sweaty feet or blisters. The arch support is more pronounced than other brands, which helps during long tournament days...
Under Armour Socks | Curbside Pickup Available at DICK'S
Youth Soccer Backpack (Ball + Cleat Pocket)
Competitive coaches expect kids to manage their own gear. A backpack with a ball holder and separate cleat pocket makes that transition easier — and keeps mud and smell out of everything else.
This bag has held up through an entire season of abuse. The ball holder is external so it doesn't take up interior space, and the cleat pocket is actually ventilated. Big enough for everything they need but not so huge that younger kids can't manage ...
adidas Stadium 4 Soccer Backpack
Massive capacity—great for tournaments when they need extra clothes, layers, and gear. Multiple compartments help with organization (theoretically, if your kid actually uses them). The side pockets fit water bottles securely, which matters when every...
Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Backpack (Extra Large, 30L)
The UA backpack is the most water-resistant of the three, which saved us during a rainy tournament weekend. Slightly smaller than the Nike Brasilia but better quality zippers. The laptop sleeve works great for keeping tablets or phones separate from ...
UA Hustle 6.0 Backpack
Weather Layer (No Hood – League Legal)
Many leagues don’t allow hooded tops during warm-ups or games. This keeps kids warm without risking a last-minute “you can’t wear that” conversation on the sideline.
Nike's cold weather layers are thin enough to wear under jerseys without looking bulky but actually keep kids warm. No hood means league-legal for most competitions. The material doesn't get clammy when they're working hard, which is huge.
Best base layers by Nike for cold weather
Adidas base layers fit slightly looser than Nike, which some kids prefer. Good compression without feeling restrictive. The neck design stays flat and doesn't bunch up under jerseys. Holds up well to frequent washing.
Adidas Base Layer
This is warmer than a typical base layer—perfect for those freezing early season games. The quarter-zip makes it easy to adjust temperature, and it's cut long enough to stay tucked in during play. No hood, so it's game-legal.
UA Challenger Men's Midlayer
Quick Recovery Item (Foam Roller or Massage Ball)
Multiple games in one day adds up fast — especially legs and feet. This helped more than we expected between matches and after long tournament weekends.
The textured surface on TriggerPoint rollers works better than smooth ones for actually working out tight spots. Durable enough to survive being thrown in equipment bags and stepped on. My kid actually uses this one because it's effective quickly.
TriggerPoint Foam Muscle Rollers
Budget-friendly option that works perfectly well for basic rolling. Not as effective as the textured TriggerPoint, but great if you're just starting out or want one for home and one for the car. Holds its shape over time.
Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller
Smaller and more portable than a foam roller—fits easily in a backpack. Great for feet and calves specifically. My kid likes using this between games at tournaments because it's less conspicuous than rolling out on the ground with a full roller.
Nike Recovery Ball
Tournament-Safe Snacks
Heavy snacks before games usually backfire. These are easy on stomachs, quick between matches, and something kids will actually eat when nerves are high.
These don't upset stomachs before games, which is the main requirement. They taste good enough that kids will eat them even when nervous, and they provide decent sustained energy. Organic ingredients if that matters to you.
Clif Kid ZBar Breakfast & Cereal Snack Bars
Applesauce pouches are clutch for quick energy that doesn't feel heavy. Easy to eat in the car between games, and if a kid is too nervous to eat much, these usually work. No spoon needed, no mess, no thinking required.
Gogo Squeeze
These are legitimately tasty—kids eat them as treats, not just fuel. Light enough for pre-game snacking, satisfying enough for between matches. The honey provides quick energy without the sugar crash. Individually wrapped makes them easy to grab and ...
Honey Stinger Organic Mini Honey Waffles