Products curated from the most popular purchases on Amazon.
Tap a group to open its picks.
Shin guards3 options
Most clubs will not let a child on the field without them, so this is the one item that can end the morning before it starts. They are also the difference between a knock and a bruise that lasts a fortnight.
- Size by the child's height, which is how these are sold, not by age
- Slip-in guards need a long sock to hold them; strapped or sleeve versions stay put on their own, which is easier for a younger child
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
XZQTIVE Soccer Shin Guards Shin Defender for Kids Youth Adult, Ski Shin Guard Calf Compression Sleeve with Honeycomb Shin PadsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
2 Pack Soccer Shin Guards Shin Defender for Kids Youth,XZQTIVE Soccer Shin Pads Shin Guard Sleeve with Honeycomb Padding,High Impact Resistant CompressionCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Linkidea Soccer Shin Guard with Ankle Protector, Calf Compression Sleeve with Honeycomb Pads for Kids Youth, All-Round Pro...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Boots for the surface they actually play on3 options
Firm-ground studs on artificial turf grip too hard and are hard on knees and ankles; flat trainers on wet grass slide. Getting this wrong is the most common first-season mistake.
- Ask the club whether practice is grass, artificial turf or indoors, because the boot differs for each
- Check the club's rules on blades versus moulded studs, since some ban blades outright
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
A ball in the right size3 options
Youth football is played with a size 3, 4 or 5 depending on age group, and a child practising at home with the wrong one is learning a different weight and bounce to the one they play with.
- Confirm the size for the age group with the club before choosing
- Check whether it is sold inflated or flat, because a flat ball on Saturday morning needs a pump you do not own yet
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Champhox Size 4 Soccer Ball, Durable Long-Lasting Construction | 7.67in,11oz, With Pump&Needle&Mesh Bag, Durable Soft Touch Leather for Kids Boys Practicing TrainingCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Indoor Soccer Balls Size 4 Kids Youth Safe Silent Play Inside the House | 8.2in, 9oz, Shock Absorbing Fabric foam Outer, No Damage On Walls, Juggling Dribble Up Ball Control with Realistic BounceCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Soccer Bag, Youth Drawstring Backpack for Volleyball Basketball Sports | with 1 Shoes Compartment 1 Wet&Dry Pocket 2 Side Mesh Pockets 2 Zipper Pockets Bag for Gym Training Swimming Back to SchoolCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A pump and spare needles3 options
Every ball in the house is flat by week three, and the needle is always missing. This is a small purchase that prevents a specific and very predictable Saturday morning.
- Look for one with a pressure gauge, since an over-inflated ball is hard and unpleasant to head or control
- Buy the version that comes with spare needles, because they bend and get lost
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
ETENWOLF P300 Plus Ball Pump, Electric Basketball Pump Inflation Deflation | with 3200 mAh Rechargeable Battery and 2 Needles, Air Pump for All Sports BallsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
ETENWOLF Electric Ball Pump Inflation & Deflation with 2600mAh Battery | 3-17PSI Basketball Pump with Precise Pressure Gauge and Ball Needles, Rechargeable Air Pump for Football, Soccer, VolleyballCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Franklin Sports Ball Pump + Pressure Gauge with Needle - Perfect Pump Hand Pump for Sports Balls - Air Inflation Pump for ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Long socks3 options
Socks have to come over the shin guard, which is why football socks are a different item to ordinary ones. Two or three pairs, because they come home wet every single time.
- Check the club's colour rule before choosing, since many specify one
- Buy several pairs - a single pair means washing on a Friday night, every week, forever
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
GRAPMKTG 3 Pack Soccer Baseball Softball Socks for Youth Women and Men Knee High Football Socks for Boys GirlsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
ZXOLDZX 3 Pairs Kids Soccer Socks Striped Knee High Tube Socks Football Uniform Sports Socks for Boys Girls 6-12 Years OldCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Elfcool 5 Pairs Kids Soccer Socks Youth Knee High Striped Tube Football Baseball Socks for Boys Girls 6-12 Years OldCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A mouthguard3 options
Required in some sports and strongly recommended in most contact ones. Dental damage is the injury that costs the most and lasts the longest, and it is the one prevented by the cheapest item in the bag.
- Boil-and-bite gives a much better fit than a stock guard, and a guard that does not fit gets taken out and lost
- Check whether it comes with a case, because the alternative is a bag floor
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
LPONJAR Moldable Sports Mouth Guard for Toddler Kids Youth, 5 Pack | Mouthguard with Case for Boys & Girls, Ideal for Foot...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Shock Doctor Mouth Guard Case, Ventilated, Universal Storage for Mouthguard, Adult & Youth SizesCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
SAFEJAWZ Black Fangz Mouth Guard, Youth Dual Layer Mouthguard with Case | Youth <11 Years, Black Sports Mouthpiece, Easy F...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A water bottle they can open themselves3 options
A coach with twelve children is not opening twelve bottles. A bottle a child can work alone, with one hand, while walking, is the one that actually gets drunk from.
- Look for a squeeze or push-pull top rather than a screw cap
- Check the size - big enough for a session, light enough to carry, and check it fits in the side pocket of the bag
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Fimibuke Toddler Water Bottle, 18oz Kids Insulated Cups with Straw Lid | BPA FREE 18/8 Stainless Steel Metal Tumbler Leak Proof Double Wall Vacuum Kids Cup Toddler Water Bottle for School Boys GirlsCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Under Armour Squeeze Water Bottles, 32 oz Water Bottles, Sideline Sports Water Bottle with Quick-Shot Lid, Quick & Easy Hy...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
50 Strong | Kids BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, 22 oz, StrawberriesCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A bag that keeps the wet kit separate3 options
Boots, wet socks and a damp shirt go in with a clean top and a snack. A bag with a separate compartment is the difference between doing one wash and washing everything in the bag.
- Look for a vented or waterproof compartment for boots
- Check the straps adjust small enough for the child to carry it themselves, which is worth insisting on early
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Gym Travel Duffle Bag for Boys - Gymnastics Sports Dance Bag with Shoe Compartment & Wet Pocket Football Kids Travel Bag T...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
MATEIN Girls Soccer Backpack with Ball Holder, Shoe Compartment, Fence Hook | Large Basketball Bag for Tournament & Game D...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Soccer Bag, Youth Drawstring Backpack for Volleyball Basketball Sports | with 1 Shoes Compartment 1 Wet&Dry Pocket 2 Side ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Name labels for everything3 options
Twelve children, near-identical kit, one changing area. Everything unnamed comes home as somebody else's or does not come home at all, and it starts in week one.
- Iron-on or stick-on labels both work; check which survives a hot wash if the kit is washed hot
- Buy far more than you think, because every sock, boot, guard and bottle needs one
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Personalized Name Labels for Kids (70 Labels) - Durable & Waterproof Custom Name Stickers for Clothing Tags, School Supplies, Camp & Daycare - Flowers (1.2”x0.5”)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Avery No-Iron Fabric Labels, 1/2" x 1-3/4", Washer and Dryer-Safe Waterproof Labels, Non-Printable, 54 Total (40720)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Fabric Labels For Clothes Washable, Daycare Labels Tags Clothing Kids Waterproof For Camp Name Tags, Personalized All Purp...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A folding chair for the touchline3 options
Two hours standing on a wet field is why parents stop watching. A chair in the boot means you are there for the whole session rather than sitting in the car.
- Check the folded size against the boot you actually have, and the weight rating
- A cup holder and a shoulder bag matter more than they sound when you are carrying it across a field
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Colegence Oversized Heavy Duty Camping Chairs, 2 Pack, 450 lb, Black | Portable outdoor chairs with padded seat, cooler bag, cup holder, side pocket and carry bag for lawn, camp, sports, fishing.Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Canpsky 2 Pack Portable Camping Chairs Folding Lawn Chair Outdoor Lightweight Beach Chair with Cup Holder & Carry Bag for ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Folding Camping Chair Portable Outdoor Beach Chair, Heavy Duty Foldable Lawn chair Support 330lbs, Collapsible Lightweight...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A pop-up shade or shelter3 options
Youth sport happens in full sun and in rain, and the field usually has neither shade nor cover. This is the item that decides whether the whole family comes or just one parent.
- Check the pack-down size and how many people it takes to put up, since some need two
- Look for a UV rating rather than just fabric, and for weights or pegs, because a field is windy
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Shibumi Park Vista Sun Shade Canopy, Portable Pop Up Sun Shelter for Grass | Freestanding Lightweight Backyard & Outdoor S...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
TopShade Aerodome Beach Tent Sun Shelter | Pop Up UPF 50+ Silver Coated Canopy UV Protection, 7 Ventilation Windows, Easy ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
QUICKPLAY Pro 6-Seater Team Bench with Canopy Shelter - Sideline | Seats 6 with sun & rain roof, Folds flat for transport,...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Sunscreen and a hat3 options
Children burn on grey days, at 9am, in autumn. A sports formulation is the one that stays put through sweat, which ordinary lotion does not.
- Look for broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and a sport or water-resistant formulation
- A stick is easier for a face and ears; a spray covers arms and legs faster before you leave the car
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Evereden Kids Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, Water-Resistant, Fragrance-Free | Safe for Sensitive Skin, Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Zinc Oxide, UVA/UVB Protection, Fluid Texture, 100% Mineral Kids SunscreenCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Banana Boat Mineral Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, 6 Fl Oz (2 Pack) | Zinc oxide mineral sunscreen for kids, Sweat and wate...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Water Resistant 80 Minutes, 5.5 Oz, ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Instant cold packs and a small first aid kit3 options
Someone takes a knock at every session, and the club's kit is on the other side of the field with the coach. A pack in your own bag is thirty seconds instead of five minutes.
- Instant packs need no freezer, which is the point on a touchline
- Check the first aid kit has plasters, wipes and a bandage rather than being a box of plasters, and check the expiry dates once a season
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Small Waterproof Hard Shell Medical Kit | Compact First Aid Kit with Comprehensive Supplies for Home, Car, Travel, Camping, Truck, Hiking, Sports, Office, Outdoor(Red)Check price on Amazon (paid link)
VRIEXSD 400 Piece Large First Aid Kit for Home, Car, Travel, Camping,Sports | Comprehensive & Well-Organized First Aid Kit – Premium Emergency Medical Supplies for Office, Hiking, Business & Outdoor UseCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
VRIEXSD Premium 320-Piece First Aid Kit, Waterproof EVA Hard Shell Case,Red | Compact Design Emergency Medical Kits with Comprehensive Supplies For Home, Camping, Car, Hiking, Travel, Businesses, OutdoorCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
A cool bag for the touchline3 options
Practice runs across a mealtime nearly every week. Cold drinks and real food in a bag is what stops the drive home being a detour, and it is also where the ice packs live.
- Check it is leak-proof, since half-drunk bottles go back in it
- A soft bag with a shoulder strap carries across a field far better than a hard cooler with a handle
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Maelstrom 30/40 Can Soft Cooler Bag, Leakproof Insulated Ice Chest | 24h Cold (With Ice), 5-Layer Insulation, Multi-Pocket...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Soft Cooler Bag Insulated 30L for Men Women for Camping Travel Picnic Work | Leakproof Design Large Capacity Multi-Pocket ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Amazon Basics Soft Insulated CoolerCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Snacks for the team, for the week it is your turn3 options
Most clubs run a rota, and your week comes round with no warning. Having a box in the cupboard means it is not a Friday-night trip to the shops.
- Individually wrapped, nothing that melts, and check for common allergens because a team will include at least one child who cannot have nuts
- Count the squad and add a few for siblings
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Nut Free Snacks, Peanut & Tree Nut Free Snacks for Kids Variety, 58 Count | Bulk, School Safe Snacks, Gluten Free Options,...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Snakkidz Organic Granola Bars, Variety Pack, Seed oil free, 45 Bars | Nut-Free & Allergen-Free, Low Sugar Per Serving, Mad...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Blake’s Chewy Granola Bars Variety Pack 24 Count, Gluten Free, Nut Free | 8g Whole Grains · Non-GMO · Vegan · Dairy Free ·...Check price on Amazon (paid link)