| For kids, soccer is a great sport to play because you | | | | certainly be subject to some tough punishment! |
| need so little equipment to play it. Basically, you need | | | | Shin guards are optional, but are a good idea even at |
| a ball and some space - that's it. Walk into your local | | | | the beginning level. They need to be firm, but still |
| sports supply store, though, and you may well start | | | | allow enough movement and flexibility to not |
| to think that you need to have a very large bank | | | | interfere with the player's movement. It's important |
| balance to afford all the bits and pieces that the | | | | to try them on to make sure they are the right fit |
| salesman will tell you are vital to play the game. | | | | for your child. |
| The reality is that if your child is happy to just muck | | | | If your child needs a soccer ball to practice with at |
| around with a soccer ball, you probably don't need | | | | home, then check what size ball is used for games. |
| much in the way of soccer equipment. But if they | | | | Smaller children use a smaller size soccer ball, and it's |
| want to get involved in a team and start some | | | | important to practice with the same size ball at home |
| soccer training, then it's worth spending a few dollars | | | | for consistency. If your child already has a standard |
| to make sure they have the right gear. | | | | size ball it may still be worth buying a smaller one to |
| If they're going to play in a team, then it's most likely | | | | match what they use with their team. |
| the team will have a uniform. This will involve a top, | | | | Some other soccer equipment that you might like to |
| shorts and matching socks. Some teams are happy | | | | consider, but which falls into the category of "likes" |
| to use fairly generic uniforms, otherwise will have a | | | | rather than must haves, includes: |
| specific design. It may be possible for you to buy a | | | | - Practice goal - but you'll need some space to use it! |
| second hand uniform from another team member | | | | - Soccer equipment bag |
| who has outgrown theirs - it's certainly worth asking! | | | | - Soccer cones for drill practice |
| Shoes are the next item on the list. It's possible to | | | | When your child takes up a new sport, like soccer, it |
| play soccer in standard trainers, but it may not be a | | | | can seem a little overwhelming at first to buy all the |
| good idea for your child's feet and ankles. Grass can | | | | necessary equipment. But if you can afford to buy |
| be slippery if it's a little bit wet, and soccer often | | | | good quality soccer equipment then your investment |
| involves rapid changes of direction. If you can | | | | will pay for itself by withstanding a lot of the rough |
| manage, it's worthwhile buying soccer footwear with | | | | usage and vigorous activity that goes with soccer |
| cleats. These will help to provide much better traction | | | | without falling apart. Better to replace soccer |
| on grass and reduce the risk of slipping over and | | | | equipment because your child has outgrown it, rather |
| twisted ankles. It's worth spending a few extra | | | | than because it's fallen apart. |
| dollars to get a good quality pair, because they will | | | | |