| Prevent injuries with proper youth soccer gear. | | | | positions need to wear a different type of shin |
| Youth soccer players do need the same type of | | | | guard. I will provide the information, but only you and |
| equipment as more mature soccer players. But, it is | | | | your child can decide what is best. |
| important that their gear fits properly. Children will get | | | | - Defenders - thicker model with more protection. |
| more enjoyment from the game, and will be less | | | | - Midfielders - protective, lightweight, and more |
| likely to injure themselves. | | | | rounded in style. |
| Youth soccer gear includes a solid pair of soccer | | | | - Forwards - more ankle protection and very light. |
| cleats, well-fitting soccer shorts, and socks that | | | | This guide will be helpful in choosing the proper shin |
| match the team jersey. Soccer shinguards will provide | | | | guard size for your child: |
| lower leg protection, and a soccer jersey, to top it | | | | - X-Small: up to a height of 3 feet 9 inches |
| off. Let's look a little deeper at each item of youth | | | | - Small: up to a height of 4 feet 5 inches |
| soccer gear. | | | | - Medium: up to a height of 5 feet 1 inch |
| Soccer Cleats and Shoes | | | | - Large: over 5 feet 2 inches |
| Cleat or shoe types include removable cleats, molded | | | | Youth Soccer Socks |
| cleats, indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes: | | | | These socks are not much different from the socks |
| - Molded Cleats have non-removable, pre-formed | | | | that older players wear. They are just smaller. They |
| rubber or plastic cleats on the bottom. Metal cleats | | | | are needed to hold the shin guards in place, and to |
| are not allowed. They can be used on all outdoor field | | | | match the team's uniform. |
| types but will not perform as well on turf, or wet, | | | | Less expensive socks are usually made from a |
| soggy fields. | | | | polyester-acrylic blend. Sometimes cotton is added |
| - Removable Cleats are made of a hard plastic. | | | | for comfort, but don't expect a lot of cotton. But |
| These studs can be replaced as they wear down. | | | | you can find 100% cotton socks. |
| Players of a higher skill level usually use this type of | | | | Choosing top quality socks made with synthetic |
| cleat on longer grass, or wet soggy fields. | | | | microfibers will pull perspiration away from the foot. |
| - Indoor soccer shoes look similar to a sneaker, but | | | | They will have a padded sole to enhance foot |
| they are very different. They are made with | | | | comfort as well. |
| exclusive compounds in the sole that provide | | | | TIP - If your child's foot sweats a great deal, put |
| improved grip over sneakers. They are cut lower to | | | | talcum powder or foot powder in the sock to help |
| prevent rolling off the ankles as your child makes the | | | | soak it up. This will help prevent blisters. |
| moves that soccer requires. They are made for firm | | | | Youth Soccer Jerseys |
| surfaces like gyms, but not for indoor artificial turf. | | | | Most jerseys today are made from a combination of |
| - Turf Shoes are specifically for playing on artificial | | | | light-weight microfibers that are and do not absorb |
| turf. It doesn't matter if it is indoor or outdoor turf. | | | | much moisture. When it comes to youth soccer, the |
| The sole has been specially designed with studs that | | | | team or association usually supplies the jerseys. So |
| are shorter than molded or removable cleats. They | | | | for that reason, I will leave the jersey choosing to |
| are multi-directional in nature. This helps provide the | | | | you and your soccer association. Unless you are |
| grip necessary for playing on artificial turf. | | | | looking for replica soccer jerseys. |
| Shinguards | | | | Soccer Shorts |
| Soccer shin guards are made from a variety of | | | | Even though they may be cool to your kids, baggy |
| materials. These materials can include: | | | | shorts are not good for the soccer field. If they are |
| - Plastic. | | | | too long, they can restrict easy movement. If this |
| - Polyurethane. | | | | happens your child may get injured, or may not play |
| - Foam rubber. | | | | up to their ability. The less restriction, the better it is |
| - Fiberglass. | | | | for their game. They also have to fit your team's |
| - Foam/lycra. Shin guards are required as part of | | | | uniform. Some associations will provide shorts and |
| youth soccer gear and one of the best ways to | | | | socks as part of the team uniform. |
| prevent injury. In soccer most of the action is at | | | | If you use this information as a guide you should be |
| your feet. It is sometimes suggested that different | | | | able to get the right youth soccer gear for your child. |