Proper gear keeps athletes safe and enables them to perform their best. Get ready for soccer season with this soccer equipment list.
What Equipment Is Needed for Soccer?
Coaches juggle lots of moving pieces during pre-season training. We are here to help you manage equipment. Use this easy checklist to confirm you have all the soccer gear your team needs to succeed.
Learn more about each piece of equipment and order custom soccer uniforms from gearUP—on time for game time.
Download the PDF: Soccer Equipment Checklist
1. Uniform Basics
Each player needs a jersey and shorts. These make the basis for a soccer uniform. Soccer jerseys and shorts are typically made from lightweight polyester for breathable, agile play. The fabric’s moisture-wicking properties also ensure player comfort, especially in hot outdoor conditions.
Custom designs on high-quality apparel items make uniforms even more appealing for athletes. They look good, feel good, and support team unity. When you source uniforms, be sure that your supplier carries all the sizes you need so everyone gets their perfect fit.
Tip: Check out our size guide for more information on sizing for youth sport uniforms.
2. Footwear
Footwear is important for any sport—but especially for soccer players who primarily use their feet to control the ball. Soccer players generally wear knee-high socks to protect their legs and to secure shin guards. Look for moisture-wicking options that also have arch support.
The studs on soccer cleats give players traction and agility on the field. Cleats come in a variety of models, each designed for specific turf types. Select from firm ground, soft ground, or indoor designs.
3. Protective Accessories
Soccer players wear relatively few protective accessories—compared to sports like tackle football—so each protective piece plays a big role in player safety. Shin guards are standard for every player. In fact, most leagues require them.
Depending on player preference, you might also suggest goalkeeper gloves for anyone in that position. Wrist tape is also common in competitive play and may be appropriate for older youth athletes to protect against injury.
Tip: Talk with parents about the importance of player safety and offer additional safety accessories to any player who wants them.
4. Other Accessories
Some pieces of soccer equipment are necessities, while others are up to athlete comfort and choice. As long as all items meet league standards, your athletes may benefit from additional accessories.
Headbands help with hair maintenance during a game (and are worn by both male and female players at the professional level). Options like compression gear and sports bras offer extra support to players who need it.
5. Soccer Balls
Here is the real star-of-the-show piece of equipment: soccer balls. Standard soccer balls are 27 to 28 inches in diameter—but they are actually only one of the sizes soccer balls come in.
| Size | Diameter (inches) | Player Age |
| 5 | 27–28 | 12+ |
| 4 | 26–26 | 8–11 |
| 3 | 23–24 | <8 |
| 1 | 18–20 |
Size 1 balls are used primarily for skill training, not in game play. You may want to have some size 1 balls for specific drills. Younger players may also benefit from trying a standard-size ball from time to time. Otherwise, find out which ball size your league uses and focus on training with that.
Tip: Include an air pump or two in your equipment closet so your balls can always be properly inflated.
6. Training and Travel Apparel
Game day gear gets all the love, but training equipment is just as important for success.
Players likely need extra shorts, jerseys, and workout apparel for practices, particularly if you are training at a high level with older players. For travel teams, travel gear like equipment bags, jackets, and sweatpants makes transportation easier. Your uniform provider can often offer these items.
7. Coaching Essentials
Do not forget all the equipment pieces you need as a coach. You are there to take care of your team, beyond what they are wearing.
A first aid kit, water cooler, and clipboard keep you prepared for whatever happens during practice. Extra training equipment, like cones, agility ladders, and ball bags, comes in handy as well.
Some coaches like to have a tablet and camera on hand to film certain plays or drills. This allows you to review footage and show plays to your athletes for real-time feedback and correction.
Related Reading: How to Start a Youth Soccer Club
Order Custom Uniforms from gearUP
Representatives at gearUP make uniform ordering easier than ever. We help you design custom soccer jerseys that meet regulations and match your team’s look.
Once you approve designs, we set up a team shop where parents and athletes can order exactly what they need for the season. Each order is shipped directly to the athlete, so you do not have to worry about sizing, inventory, or distribution.
Outfit your team in high-quality, custom jerseys, shorts, and more. Contact gearUP to get started.
