Be prepared this upcoming soccer season with the right equipment, clothing and accessories.
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Your youngsters are ready to take the field, but do they have everything they need to start soccer season on the right foot?
A well-stocked soccer bag should have essentials for any situation. Alex Bilka, a web operations specialist at DICK’S and former DIII college soccer player, says it’s important to have the right gear like cleats, soccer balls, clothing, socks and shin guards for a successful season.
“Make sure to try on your gear in person and try running around in everything to ensure it feels comfortable,” she says. “There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes, clothing or gear during a game or practice that distracts you while trying to play.”
If you’re planning for any overnight away games, tournaments or camps, take a look at the Soccer Camp Gear Checklist.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve consulted former players and in-house experts to create the perfect checklist for your soccer needs. As always, start with the basics and invest in additional gear as needed.
Whether they’re new to the sport or on the varsity team, every player needs these soccer essentials.
The best way to kick off any season is with a fresh pair of performance soccer cleats. With so many top brands and styles to choose from, soccer cleats can help your child stand out with their own style while gaining the edge they need to shine on the field.
A pair of slides or flip-flops to wear to and from games is also a good idea. One big reason: Cleats will last longer if they’re only worn on the soccer field. Concrete and other hard surfaces can cause wear and tear. Plus, if your child’s cleats are muddy, removing them helps prevent tracking the mess elsewhere. Also, indoor soccer shoes should be worn on indoor turf only, so they stay free of outside debris. Depending on how often your child plays, it could also be useful to have an extra pair of shoes on hand.
“When it comes to cleats, comfort makes all the difference for young players. At ages 6 and 9, my kids are still figuring out their footing, so I always keep a pair of their running shoes in the bag. If the field is extra hard or uneven, those sneakers come in handy. Keeping them comfortable means they’re focused on having fun — not sore feet,” says Todd Bronson, youth soccer coach and DICK'S Sporting Goods creative director.
Soccer ball dimensions can vary by league and purpose so you’ll want to ensure you choose the right ball size for your child’s specific need. This variation serves allows more players to experience the game with the same amount of fun and excitement by using soccer balls more proportional to their skills and size.
“A properly inflated ball might seem like a small detail, but it can make or break a good practice. As a youth soccer coach for five years, I’ve seen plenty of deflated balls show up at the field. Now, I keep a small portable pump in my car all season long. It’s one of those little things that helps practice start smoothly — and keeps the game rolling,” says Bronson.
Shin guards are crucial gear for everyone and are likely the most important piece of equipment a soccer player will buy. Whether you choose shin guards that are shin socks, ankle guards or slip-in guards, you definitely want to have a pair no matter your child’s level of play.
“As a soccer mom, I swear by shin guards without straps — especially for younger kids. They’re so much easier to slide into socks, which means less hassle before practice and fewer complaints about itchy Velcro. My kids can gear up independently now, and their shin guards stay in place the whole game. It’s one less thing to worry about on busy game days — and that’s a win for all of us!” says Cortney Rocco, soccer parent and DICK’S Sporting Goods copywriter.
Once you’ve got all the gear they need, the next step is finding an easy way to carry it all! Soccer bags range in size, organization options, styles and colors. Consider trying to fit all of your child’s equipment into the bag before making a final decision.
For colder weather, soccer gloves are the way to go. Plus, many gloves will have a textured palm so the ball doesn’t slip during throw-ins.
Of course, you’ll need to get them the basics: soccer shirt, soccer shorts and soccer socks. While regular T-shirts are just fine, consider picking up some with moisture-wicking material.
Carry at least one extra shirt, pair of shorts and socks in a plastic zip bag. These can come in handy on especially damp days at practice or rainy outdoor games and tournaments.
Outdoor soccer games can get chilly, especially when it’s raining. It’s always nice to have a long-sleeve shirt on hand, just in case. When temperatures drop, have them layer up with compression shirts and shorts.
One easy way to ensure you’ve secured the necessary soccer equipment and save a little money is to consider purchasing a soccer package. At DICK’S, you can mix-and-match select soccer balls, shin guards and cleats to check off your list quickly.
As your player progresses in skill and level of play, you might consider investing in training gear.
Whether you’ve got a young player kicking the ball around in the backyard or an elite-level player training for their next championship, there is a soccer goal to fit for their needs. As they start practicing shots, volleys and ground passes, a rebounder is another training tool worth checking out.
Set up drills for your child’s team or in the back yard with training gear like cones, agility ladders, passing gates and more.
Foam rollers, compression wraps, percussive therapy devices and more are great tools to have available after a tough practice.
If your player is guarding the net, consider adding a few extra items to their kit.
Goalie gloves are a must-have piece of goalkeeper gear. Each component of the glove helps protect a goalie’s hand in different ways and different variations help goalies play in specific playing conditions and protect their hands or fingers from impact. Find the right size and fit for their game.
When it comes to choosing goalkeeper clothing, there are a lot of options, though baggy clothing will add unwanted weight during a rain game. Some keepers prefer padded compression shorts or pants to minimize impact on their body, but it’s ultimately important to wear what’s most comfortable.
From padded shirts and pants to head guards, goalkeepers may want to add an extra layer of protection as well as a confidence boost before they make diving saves to the ground.
Be prepared for it all with these sideline essentials.
Don’t forget a water bottle! From practices to game day, it’s important that all players stay hydrated. When it comes to choosing a water bottle, choose one that’s insulated to keep your aspiring superstar’s water cool throughout an entire game.
Stay connected with your child’s teammates, coaches, fellow parents and supporters with the GameChanger app. Plus, it’s easy to listen or watch game highlights if you can’t make it in person.
First-aid kits are an essential, but they usually don’t come with many knee- or elbow-sized bandages, which can really come in handy. So, pack them additionally and you’ll be all set!
While it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to hitting the soccer field, pack another bottle for the soccer bag too! It’s likely that more than one application may be necessary.
Check these youth soccer essentials off your list and get your youngster ready for a fun and fully prepared soccer season. Above all, “Have fun with the sport and remember that mistakes help you grow and develop as a player!” says Bilka.
Print or save this list below to ensure your player is prepared for the game and ready to have a great season!
