Equipment is a must for all players. Leagues and school teams will not allow players to participate without proper equipment. More importantly, equipment provides your player with the tools he or she needs to play soccer efficiently and safely.
Soccer Equipment List
Cleats or turfs:
Soccer players cannot just wear any shoes. They need to either wear soccer turfs or cleats, which are special shoes made exclusively for soccer (make sure you don't purchase Baseball or Football cleats) with spikes on the bottom. This shoes provide better traction on grass which increases player's ability to stay on their feet.
Usually younger kids are limited to turf shoes, but when a player gets older, he is allowed to wear cleats.
The Complete Soccer Guide highly recommends switching to cleats the instant that you can. Cleats are superior to turfs, and every serious player eventually switches to them.
Shin-Guards:
Shin-guards protect player’s shins, a venerable part of a player's body that often gets kicked. It is advised that you get shin-guards that strap-on so they do not fall off during games. Shin-guards need to completely cover a player’s shin. It is a good idea to get shin-guards with ankle protectors.
Soccer Ball:
Without a soccer ball a player must rely on other players to provide this vital piece of equipment. Every player needs a soccer ball. Soccer balls come in 3 different sizes, 1, 2, and 3. Check with your local league to see which size you need
Soccer Socks:
Soccer socks are extremely long and cover shin-guards. Most leagues provide these with your uniform, but it some require players to purchase them separately.
Water Bottle or Drink:
It is important for every player to stay hydrated during games and practices. A good sized water bottle or bottled water of sports drink well work well. Multiple drinks are required for practices and games.
Putting on Equipment
- Place shin-guards on shins.
- Put socks on over shin-guards.
- Pull the excess sock over your shin-guard.
- Put turfs of cleats on.
