Equipping Your Soccer Player

For parents new to soccer, one of the first questions after signing their child up is “What do I need to get my child before the season starts?”

1. Shin guards. These protective devices are mandatory to play soccer. NOTE: Please have your player wear his/her shin guards underneath their socks!
2. Soccer socks. Consider picking up two or more pairs of these extra long socks, which are designed to cover the shin guards.
3. Soccer shorts. Intramural players only (grades 1, 2, and fall grade 3). These do not have to be “soccer” shorts per se- any athletic/gym shorts will do. In terms of colors, black is a good choice.
4. Ball.
   1. Grades 1 & 2: Size 3
   2. Grades 3 – 6 (Under 9 – Under 12 age groups): Size 4
   3. Grades 7 and up (Under 13 and older age groups): Size 5

See comments below on the ball selection.

5. Warm up pants. For younger players, any loose fitting pair of pants will suffice during the colder parts of the season. Just be sure your player wears shorts underneath- when it comes time to play, they should wear just their shorts as warm up pants restrict their motion. Trust us- on cold days, the only people who are cold are the spectators, who aren’t moving!
6. Cleats. Although relatively inexpensive, cleats are not strictly necessary for first and second graders. By the third grade, players will start changing directions quickly enough to warrant the additional traction that cleats provide (especially on wet fields- remember, soccer is traditionally played in the rain!).

Where to buy

The major sports superstores (Decathlon, Sports Authority) offer a good collection of inexpensive soccer gear (balls, shin guards, cleats, shorts). Bob’s has a decent selection of cleats and sportswear. Look for sales in newspaper fliers before each season. One store recently offered a package deal- ball, shin guards, and cleats for just $20.

For older players who show a strong interest in the sport, investing in higher quality cleats is helpful. Smaller specialty soccer stores can offer a wider selection.

Ball Selection

Of all the soccer items you can purchase, the most important to kindle your child’s interest in soccer is the ball itself. Your player can only have fun at home playing soccer only if he/she owns one, and having fun with the ball is the quickest way to develop those skills critical to enjoying the game. Note that Wayland Youth Soccer does not provide enough balls for everyone at practice, so it is important for players to bring their own to practices (be sure to write your player’s name on it!).

Choose a ball that is

1. Fully inflated at the store. That way, you lessen the chance of having picked one with a slow leak.
2. Has sewn panels. Most balls are constructed this way. On the less expensive models, threads will be partly visible at the seams. Avoid glued-on panels- not only do these balls have a poor “feel” on the foot, but the panels do peel off, and their edges can be a serious safety hazard. Also, avoid pure rubber balls, which do not behave like real soccer balls.

Cover types

Soccer balls come in a variety of cover surfaces. The better surfaces have a soft (but not too soft), cushiony feel to them. They are easier to control on the field, and feel better when kicked.

Balls with PVC covers (shiny, hard plastic) are better in wet conditions as they tend not to absorb water. However, they are harder on the foot, and can hurt in cold weather. In addition, in cold weather and as they age, they tend to get brittle.

How Much to Spend

You can purchase good quality ball for between $10 and $15. Wayland Youth Soccer purchases their game balls from Challenge Soccer. The Champion model is an excellent ball (around $19 retail), although they tend to absorb water and get heavy when wet.

Ball Safety

If you are lucky(!), your player will have his ball until it begins to wear out. It is time to retire the ball when you see the panels breaking at the seam. Again, the edges can be a serious safety hazard to the eyes and forehead.