The pieces of your child needs to play at their best aren’t going to change. The biggest items to have when are a good pair of soccer cleats, a soccer ball to practice with at home and a mini soccer net for the backyard.
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Cleats
A good pair of comfortable are the most important piece of equipment to have. Without these, your child can’t play effectively. They should fit snugly so they can’t shift around the foot since this can cause blisters or lead to an injured ankle.
You also need to get studs that match your usual playing field. For kids, this typically comes down to indoor studs, which have rubber bottoms, and outdoor studs, which are the standard. Some cleats are wearable on both field types but aren’t fully effective on either. As such, it’s best to get a pair of each if your child plays on both field types.
Soccer ball
The next most important piece of equipment is the soccer ball. It falls to second since you can run plenty of drills without a ball, but you can’t run any drills effectively without cleats.
Soccer balls come in five sizes to match the age of the children using them.
- Size 1: These balls have circumferences of 18 to 20 inches. They’re used to practice certain skills or for other games that aren’t soccer.
- Size 2: These balls have circumferences of 21 to 22 inches. They’re for practicing skills, but also for kids younger than 4 years old.
- Size 3: These balls have circumferences of 23 to 24 inches and are for kids younger than 8 years old.
- Size 4: These balls have circumferences of 25 to 26 inches and are for kids ages 8 to 12.
- Size 5: These balls have circumferences of 27 to 28 inches and are for anyone ages 12 and up.
Mini net
Mini nets are an excellent way for your child to practice their shot accuracy. They come in several shapes: square, rectangle, half-circle and half-oval. Shape only matters if your child’s league has rules requiring a particular shape. Some nets come in pairs rather than individually, while others include extras such as soccer balls or cones.
Shin guards
Before the game begins, the referee will make sure every child is wearing a pair of shin guards for protection. Some come with a strap that goes around the foot. While the strap helps the shin guard stay put, if your child has sensitive feet, it could cause some minor irritation. In that case, your best bet is to choose shin guards that slip into a sleeve that can be pulled on under the socks or strap around the shin.
Best kids cleats
These lightweight soccer cleats feature adjustable laces for a snug fit. There’s a soft lining for comfort, and the durable synthetic upper can take a beating. Consider buying a half size bigger than you normally would.
Featuring a molded synthetic leather upper that appears to be quilted, these cleats are designed to give players better touch. The conical studs in the heel provide excellent traction and are great for making those quick stops on the field. Customers say the snug fit is especially ideal if your child has narrow heels.
These cleats have an extended strike zone for better touch and speed-control studs for quick turns and stops on the field. They are available in eight colors, including neon green.
Made for indoor soccer, the Adidas Samba is a popular shoe that’s also comfortable to wear off the field. These come in sizes for toddlers up to big kids size 6.
Best kids soccer balls
This ball is machine-stitched using a durable plastic outer layer with a poly/cotton lining. It uses a hybrid bladder and comes in five colors. It’s also available in sizes 2 through 5.
This ball can withstand harsh weather conditions. It comes packaged with an air pump. It comes in sizes 3, 4 and 5 and is available in seven colors.
Inspired by the official match ball of Major League Soccer, this recreational ball is soft, durable and comes in various designs and colors. It comes in sizes 3, 4 and 5.
Best mini soccer nets
This set comes with two nets that can fold down into a small tube, a soccer ball and a manual air pump. The pump has an in-handle storage compartment for the needle so it doesn’t get broken or lost.
This set includes two nets and six cones for running drills, plus everything fits inside an included storage bag. The net comes in different designs: a 2.5- and 4-foot round shape and a 4-foot square shape.
This pop-up net is easy to set up and travel with. The real prize is an inner lining that limits where the soccer ball can go through so your child has something to aim for.
Best shin guards and socks
These come with washable sleeves that you slide the shin guard into. This prevents them from sliding around under the sock or slipping out completely during play.
Breathable and sweat-absorbent, these shin guards strap around the foot to stay securely in place. Their strong shell and EVA cushion provide maximum protection and comfort on the field.
Featuring moisture-wicking fabric and cushioned impact zones, these socks are sure to keep their feet dry and comfortable. They come in seven colors, including red, pink and blue.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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