As the grassroots season gets underway, it's the time of year parents and coaches start sorting out kit for the months ahead. Here's a simple checklist of the essentials worth having in place before the first proper training session or match.
1. Boots that actually fit
Growing feet mean boots often need checking every season, not just replacing when they look worn out. A boot that's too tight can affect a player's touch and comfort just as much as one that's falling apart.
2. Shin guards — and a way to keep them in place
Shin guards are compulsory in organised football for good reason, but a guard that slips out of position during play isn't doing its job. Tape and straps are common fixes, but many parents and coaches are moving to all-in-one shin pad sleeves with built-in protective padding, which stay snugly in place under the sock without needing readjustment mid-match. See our full comparison of shin pad sleeves vs tape vs straps for more detail.
3. Training kit that can handle regular washing
Grassroots players are often training multiple times a week through the season, so kit needs to hold up to frequent washing without losing shape or grip.
4. A properly sized water bottle and bag
Simple, but easy to overlook until the first hot training session of the year.
5. Spares of the small stuff
Socks, shin guard sleeves, and similar low-cost items are worth having a spare of in the kit bag — they're easy to lose and inexpensive to replace in advance rather than scrambling before a Saturday morning match.
A note for coaches and committees
If your club is looking for ways to help parents with pre-season kit costs — or to raise a bit of extra funds for the club at the same time — it's worth looking at schemes like our Ambassador Scheme, which lets clubs earn commission on kit purchases made by their own members at no extra cost to anyone.
Ready to get kitted out for the season? Shop now.