The offseason is the perfect time to get organized for fall football. Use this football gear list to make sure all your players have what they need to face the field with confidence.
Apparel and Equipment Needed for Football
Allow your athletes to tackle summer practices and hot two-a-days in comfort. The lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric of NIKE Team uniforms ensures your players can execute out on the field and prepare for game time. (Learn more about the benefits of NIKE uniforms.)
Football apparel should be lightweight, comfortable, and supportive. Find the right fit with our uniform size guide. See what else your team needs with this football gear checklist.
Tackle Football Gear Essentials
Tackle football uniforms start with a jersey, shorts, and socks. Jerseys and shorts are typically made from 100% polyester, while socks are made from durable blends. Custom colors and designs make these apparel items stand out on the field—and make players feel united as a team.
Aside from the uniform, football has some of the most gear for athletes. Make sure everyone on your team understands the importance of protective gear, and equip them with:
- Cleats: Football players usually wear rubber-molded cleats or turf shoes, depending on the type of field they play on. Your league can offer guidance on which shoe type your team should wear.
- Mouth Guard, Helmet, and Chin Strap: These make up the fundamental head protection for tackle football players. Mitigate oral injuries, head injuries, and facial injuries with proper fitting and use.
- Shoulder Pads: Shoulder pads allow players to engage in blocking and tackling more safely. The wide-set frame disperses force during collisions to reduce overall risk.
- Other Required Padding: Your league will outline which other types of padding are required for player safety. The NFL, for example, requires thigh and knee pads.
- Optional Supports: Additional padding is usually allowed, within specific constraints, even if not required. Players may use padded girdles, padded performance shirts, back plates, and more.
- Gloves: Football gloves vary by position, though most players wear some type of glove for grip and ball control. Make sure your players know which type of glove works best for their gameplay.
Encourage players to collaborate with you, their parents, and their doctor to find the right accessories and supports for safe play.
Download the PDF: Tackle Football Gear List
Flag Football Gear Essentials
Flag football uniforms start off similar to tackle football uniforms, with a jersey, shorts, and socks. For this sport, apparel is also made with polyester or fabric blends designed to wick moisture. Shorts are always made without pockets to ensure finger safety with flags.
Custom jerseys allow you to design logos, wear team colors, and create a cohesive team look. Players and fans alike will enjoy the excitement and team spirit.
In addition to jerseys and shorts, flag football players will need:
- Flag Belt and Flags: Tackle football has shoulder pads, and flag football has belts—the key accessory for gameplay. These high-strength polyester pieces are designed with quick-release mechanisms. Belts typically come with three flags.
- Cleats: Proper shoes make running, jumping, and pivoting easier. Players will typically need rubber-molded cleats or turf shoes, depending on the type of game field your league uses.
- Mouth Guard: Flag football is plenty exciting, even without the tackling. Stretching arms or colliding elbows can cause dental damage if the mouth isn’t protected. If parents have specific concerns, their family dentist should be able to provide more guidance.
- Receiver Gloves: Gloves are optional in flag football. They can make it easier to catch the ball, but more difficult to pull a flag. Let players explore the pros and cons of receiver gloves and choose whether they want to play with this accessory.
- Compression Apparel: Some players may be more comfortable with compression apparel or support accessories under their uniform. These can aid with circulation and recovery.
Like any sport, other accessories can aid in player comfort and confidence. Help your players source things like sweatbands, gym bags, and water bottles if needed.
Download the PDF: Flag Football Gear List
Football Training and Coaching Gear
Players are not the only ones who need gear for the season. Coaches should be prepared too. Wear comfortable clothes, a sun-blocking hat, and field-appropriate shoes. Keep a whistle on your lanyard for calling attention when needed.
Most importantly: Select the proper training and practice equipment for your team. What equipment is needed for football? Make sure you have appropriately sized footballs and training gear such as:
- Air pumps for footballs
- Agility cones or ladders
- Blocking dummies and shields
- Sleds, chutes, and boards
| Football Size Chart | ||
| Size | Name | Age |
| 9 | Official | 14+ |
| 8 | Youth | 12–14 |
| 7 | Junior | 10–12 |
Related Reading: How to Start a Youth Football Team
Custom Team Shops for Easy Ordering
Custom team shops make uniform ordering easier than ever. The process starts with custom designs. When you work with gearUP, a representative helps you:
- Select apparel items for your sport
- Approve designs with your team colors and logo
- Put together curated player packs
Everything from fan gear to training gear will be chosen by you—and embellished to show off your program’s unique logo and style.
Once you approve designs and selections, all you have to do is send out a link to the team shop. Instead of gathering player sizes to place a bulk order and distributing packs by yourself one-by-one, apparel items are shipped directly to each athlete.
The process is easier for parents, too. When parents log on to your team’s custom shop, they are presented with an organized webpage, with required items in clearly labeled player packs. Parents can effortlessly find and order gear in minutes; no more frantic searching and double-checking their cart.
Start the Season Right with gearUP
Do not wait until the season is pressing in. Get started on uniform design now. Our gearUP representatives are ready to discuss custom uniform options—and are excited to help make the uniform process easier than ever for you and your athletes.
Contact a gearUP representative today to get started.
