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Soccer Essentials: The Equipment List You Need This Season

Sports Lifestyle

Soccer Essentials: The Equipment List You Need This Season

Mar 26, 2024

Going into your first high school spring soccer season? Or is your 4-year-old Soccer Shots player just starting out in the fall? Whether you’re a seasoned player or it’s your child’s first season, you’ll need to show up prepared for the game. But what do you need for soccer? This guide offers a comprehensive gear, apparel and equipment list so you or your player will be game-ready season after season.

Soccer Cleats

Soccer Cleats

Cleats provide traction on the field, helping any player dig in and quickly change direction. They come in different styles for different types of playing surfaces, including grass, turf and indoor courts. Firm-ground cleats with molded studs are usually what your player needs for a grassy surface. Turf cleats often have TPU spikes ideal for synthetic surfaces, and flat-soled soccer shoes are for indoor hard courts. 

Pro tip: To extend the life of soccer cleats or indoor shoes, head to practice in a pair of slides or sandals, and change into the cleats once you’re on the field.

Protective Gear

A good pair of shin guards is a soccer essential that safeguards growing legs from the impact of hard kicks. Goalies need goalkeeper gloves that provide both the grip and protection to block shots.

Clothing

Clothing

Your child’s league will likely provide them a team soccer jersey, but choose athletic clothes that’ll keep your kid cool during practice. A cotton tee or moisture-wicking shirt from Nike’s Dri-FIT line can help soak up sweat. If they’re playing on a chilly morning, be sure to have a warmer base layer, like a compression shirt. Loose-fitting athletic shorts add comfort to any practice outfit. Over-the-calf soccer socks provide shin guard support and keep feet dry and legs protected throughout practice and games.

Sports Equipment

While you probably won't have to cart a soccer goal to and from the field for games, you will need a soccer ball, especially for practice. Pick the right one for your child’s age. Players younger than 7, for example, usually use a size 3 ball, and older players need a size 5. Keep an air pump at home or in the car for on-the-go inflation. 

Since soccer is such an accessible sport, it’s easy to practice at home or in a park with only a few pieces of sports equipment. A pop-up soccer goal in the backyard or outdoor trainer can help them improve their aim or work on volleys and half volleys. Training cones are a good way to help little kids focus on their dribbling skills and agility.

Soccer Bag

Soccer Bag

Sport-specific backpacks and training duffels give you all the room you need for a ball, shoes, clothes — and extras like headbands and hair ties, hats, sunscreen, deodorant, a phone and a few snacks.

Water Bottle

Nothing is better than a long sip of water after the fast-paced action of a mid-morning game. A Gatorade, Nike or HydroJug water bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated.

Soccer is one of the best sports for even the youngest kids to learn. The teamwork alone is a skill your 4-year-old will be able to use on and off the pitch. And older players can appreciate the payoff of their hard work. Let Hibbett outfit you or your child with the season's must-have soccer equipment and gear. Shop online, or let our in-store pros help you select your soccer essentials.

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