What Your Kid Will Need to Play Soccer This Spring

Getting out and enjoying a game of soccer, whether it is competitive or for fun, is a great way for kids to get outside and to get active with their friends! Of course, there are a few things that kids will need if they are to be prepared to play the game. Check out some of these items before sending your kids out on the soccer field!

Unless a kid is simply playing soccer on the playground, it doesn't matter much as to what kinds of shoes they wear. However, playing soccer on a team often means playing outside on muddy fields. With conditions like this, it's likely that kids with simple canvas shoes can slip and fall. That's why it's important to invest in real soccer shoes.

Soccer shoes, also known as soccer cleats, have added nubs on the bottom of the shes that make it easier for wearers to have added traction when running, even on muddy fields.

Even though these shoes are different on the bottom, they fit (and are sized) just like any other pair of gym or running shoes. For this reason, they are not likely to be uncomfortable for children to wear.

No matter what kind of shoes kids wear while playing soccer, it's vital that they wear socks if they don't want to end up with blisters on their heels.

When it comes to soccer socks, typically tall thick socks are preferred. The thickness of the socks helps to protect against blisters, as mentioned, but it can also help to keep children's feet warm on a cold spring day. The height of the socks also helps with the warmth factor, as well as to protect against bruising if the ball hits their legs.

As an added consideration, it's best to get socks that are darker in color, such as brown or black. This will make mud and grass stains much less noticeable if stain remover can't wash them out.

Another essential piece of protective soccer gear includes a pair of strong knee pads and/or shin pads. There are a variety of shin and knee pad combinations. Of course, either one can help to get the job done. However, the combination safety pads seem to work the best.

Even when playing on teams, having knee or shin guards is not always a safety requirement. However, for safety's sake, it is best that children wear them when playing on a team. This can help to prevent bruising, more than anything else.

Additionally, elbow pads are also available for purchase in many sporting goods stores and through online retailers. However, since soccer tends to avoid using much of the body above the waist, it's not likely that a child will actually need elbow pads. If anything, elbow pads help the most when a child slips and falls.

One thing that many parents may overlook when shopping for soccer gear includes a kid's rain jacket. The springtime is fraught with everything from sprinkling rain to raging storms. For this reason, it's best to always be as prepared as possible.

When looking into a kid's rain jacket for playing soccer, it's best to go for something that is lightweight. Also, buying a jacket from a special kids rain jacket store makes it more likely that you will be able to find a rain jacket that matches the team's colors!

This way, your child will still be able to look like part of the team, without getting drenched like the rest of the team.

So, there you have it! Before your child sets foot on the soccer field, consider getting him or her some of the items on this list. These clothing items can help to keep your child protected, warm, and dry all season long! This can help to keep soccer enjoyable, proving a wonderful athletic hobby for years to come.