Proper Equipment for Soccer

Soccer is a fun and great sport to play. As with any sport, there is always some kind of equipment required. Soccer does have risks and wearing the right gear will minimize any risks of injuries. When players are protected, their confidence becomes stronger. If you’re new to soccer, or just have a child starting, knowing what equipment is expected to have is important whether they are a player or a goalkeeper.

I have had many bad experiences with forgetting my other jersey or my right cleats. I want to be sure none of you experience the same mistakes.

Proper Equipment Needed For Players:

Basic soccer equipment include jersey, socks, shin pads, shorts and cleats. For anyone playing soccer make sure to wear all of these. There are two types of cleats that soccer players use depending on where they are practising. In a competitive league like mine we are required to have two pairs of cleats, ones have the spikes at the bottom which are used for outdoors on turf or grass and the other ones are called indoor cleats which have no spikes at the bottom they are just flat. Always be sure to know which cleats to wear.

It was our final game of the season and I forgot to bring my second jersey. As a competitive soccer I have two jerseys, one is for away games and one is for home. I am expected to bring both to every game just in case we have to change. So if your team has two colour jerseys, always be sure to bring the other one.

Proper Equipment for Goalkeepers:

Just like their teammates, goalkeepers are required socks, jersey, shin pads, shorts and cleats. There are a couple unique things about a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers get to have a different coloured uniform than the rest of their team, that is so the referee can identify them. Another thing that a goalkeeper has different than the rest of the players is a pair of goalkeeper gloves. This is because they are the only one that is aloud to handle a “live” ball with their hands. Goalies have a preference is gloves, if they are not the right ones they don’t like them and their confidence level goes down. My goalkeeper has two pairs of gloves that she keeps in her bag. She got them sized for her hands and have a special type of grip that she likes the best. A goalkeepers gloves are the most valuable piece of their equipment.

What keepers look for in goalie gloves:

Important elements to look for are fit, grip, and design.

• Fit: Wearing the correct size is very important. Gloves should fit snug enough so that they can catch and rebound the ball without them slipping off. They also can’t be so tight that it is cutting off your circulation.
• Grip: Goalkeepers want the right grip in their gloves. It can either be smooth or rough.
• Design: Goalkeepers all have a different preference on the design on their gloves. My goalie always goes with a theme and has her name printed on the thumb

Soccer players and any athletes play with more confident and are more aggressive knowing there not going to get kicked in the shins. Soccer players are very aggressive and have a lot of contact even though they aren’t supposed to. Whether you’re into it to win or just have fun, there’s no sense in risking any injuries throughout the season so be sure to always wear the right equipment. Good luck in your season and have fun!