Soccer Equipment - What Do You REALLY Need?

For kids, soccer is a great sport to play because you need so little equipment to play it. Basically, you need a ball and some space - that's it. Walk into your local sports supply store, though, and you may well start to think that you need to have a very large bank balance to afford all the bits and pieces that the salesman will tell you are vital to play the game.

The reality is that if your child is happy to just muck around with a soccer ball, you probably don't need much in the way of soccer equipment. But if they want to get involved in a team and start some soccer training, then it's worth spending a few dollars to make sure they have the right gear.

If they're going to play in a team, then it's most likely the team will have a uniform. This will involve a top, shorts and matching socks. Some teams are happy to use fairly generic uniforms, otherwise will have a specific design. It may be possible for you to buy a second hand uniform from another team member who has outgrown theirs - it's certainly worth asking!

Shoes are the next item on the list. It's possible to play soccer in standard trainers, but it may not be a good idea for your child's feet and ankles. Grass can be slippery if it's a little bit wet, and soccer often involves rapid changes of direction. If you can manage, it's worthwhile buying soccer footwear with cleats. These will help to provide much better traction on grass and reduce the risk of slipping over and twisted ankles. It's worth spending a few extra dollars to get a good quality pair, because they will certainly be subject to some tough punishment!

Shin guards are optional, but are a good idea even at the beginning level. They need to be firm, but still allow enough movement and flexibility to not interfere with the player's movement. It's important to try them on to make sure they are the right fit for your child.

If your child needs a soccer ball to practice with at home, then check what size ball is used for games. Smaller children use a smaller size soccer ball, and it's important to practice with the same size ball at home for consistency. If your child already has a standard size ball it may still be worth buying a smaller one to match what they use with their team.

Some other soccer equipment that you might like to consider, but which falls into the category of "likes" rather than must haves, includes:

- Practice goal - but you'll need some space to use it!
- Soccer equipment bag
- Soccer cones for drill practice

When your child takes up a new sport, like soccer, it can seem a little overwhelming at first to buy all the necessary equipment. But if you can afford to buy good quality soccer equipment then your investment will pay for itself by withstanding a lot of the rough usage and vigorous activity that goes with soccer without falling apart. Better to replace soccer equipment because your child has outgrown it, rather than because it's fallen apart.