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Your kid is starting soccer next week
15
items Soccer season can sneak up. In many places, it's a Spring and Fall option. Especially if it's your kid's first time playing, it can be confusing to know what to buy (and what not to buy). As someone who played youth soccer for many years and who now ...
Sections
3
On-Field Essentials
Training Equipment
For the Sidelines
On-Field Essentials
The basic things they need to bring every time they step onto the grass.
An absolute must for practice, and sometimes for games. Be sure you get the right size!
Ball
They don't need anything expensive or flashy when they're young. Just cleats that are the right size, so they don't become too small before the season is over.
Cleats
Your kid won't be allowed to play without shin guards. When they're young, be sure to get this kind, with the built-in ankle guard. Extra protection, and makes the guards less likely to slip when running.
Shin guards
You need to show up to practice with socks. Color typically doesn't matter, and you need at least 2 or 3 pairs to budget for number of practices per week and how often you wash laundry. Game socks will come later.
Socks
Athletic shorts are highly recommended. Make sure they have a couple pairs to survive the week. Again, game shorts will come after you're a few weeks into practice.
Shorts
A must if your kid has long hair. They won't be allowed to play with any “hard” headbands, clips, etc. in their hair. Get them a simple, soft, elastic band like this to keep the hair out of their eyes.
Headband
Training Equipment
Keeping the ball aired up and the legs working at home.
These make practice more engaging. Very cheap, cones have so many applications. Countless videos online going over how to use these.
Cones
You won't believe how quickly the ball will lose air. This basic pump will keep it close to the right pressure and is highly portable. Keep it in your car.
Ball pump
So convenient! I have this exact pump and use it on each soccer ball once every few weeks. It gets the ball to the precise PSI you need. More than once, my kid's ball was selected to be used during a game because it was the only ball on the field inf...
Electric ball pump
Not required, but helpful to have at home or to take if practicing somewhere new. Having something to aim at is surprisingly important.
Portable goal
For the Sidelines
You're going to be on the field longer than you think. Better to arrive prepared.
Sure, any water bottle will do, but I've had success with this one, where it has a handle and a twist-on cap to stop leaks. Easy for the kid to carry and use during game time.
Water bottle
If your kid is a bit older (or just very thirsty), get them a larger one like this. Same concept where it has a handle and a twist-on cap. Better to have more than enough water than not enough.
Big water bottle
Do you want to stand/squat/kneel/sit cross-legged through all those hours of soccer? If not, I've loved this rocker chair. Pretty affordable. Comfortable. Easy to carry. Lives in my car.
GCI camping chair
Bringing people with you to watch the practice or game? Getting this chair was such a good choice for us.
Double camping chair
You may need a cooler if bringing multiple water bottles or even team snacks, especially if it's a particularly hot day. It's even better if it rolls. Sometimes the field is far from the parking lot!
Rolling cooler