👟 Cleats — Adidas Goletto IX Youth
Your kid's first piece of gear. These are the ones coaches recommend for beginners — affordable, durable, and sized for youth players.
No need to spend $80 on cleats for a 7-year-old who might quit by week three (we've all been there).
Sized correctly is everything. Too big causes trips and blisters. We recommend the Adidas Goletto IX — available from toddler to big kid sizes, durable, and under $35.
🛡️ Shin Guards — non-negotiable - Franklin Sports
These are required — most leagues won't let your kid on the field without them.
Franklin Sports makes a solid beginner pair that doesn't feel like you're strapping cardboard to their legs. Under $12.
Set comes in small, medium, and large and is trusted by thousands of youth soccer families.
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⚽ Soccer Ball — Champion Sports Viper – TPU Soft
Coaches usually provide a ball for practice, but having one at home makes a huge difference for kids who actually want to kick it around the backyard.
This one holds up. Under $12.
Size 3 for under age 8. Size 4 for ages 8 to 12. Size 5 for 13 and older. The Champion Sports Viper is the perfect first ball — durable, affordable, and used by youth leagues everywhere.
🎒 Soccer Bag — Adidas Striker
Cleats, ball, shin guards, water bottle, and the snack you packed "just in case." A dedicated soccer bag keeps the chaos contained.
Think of it as the family minivan of soccer bags. It fits everything, it's not glamorous, and you'll wonder how you survived without it.
Separate compartment for cleats so your car doesn't smell like a locker room. You're welcome.
Bonus: when your kid carries their own bag to the field, they feel like a real player. That alone is worth $34.
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🔶 Training Cones — FGBNM Disc Cones
Under $9 and suddenly your backyard is a training facility. Set them up in a line, tell your kid to dribble through them, and watch them take soccer completely seriously for the next 45 minutes while you drink your coffee in peace.
Coaches use these at every single practice. Your kid will think you know what you're doing. You do now.
Stack flat, toss in the bag, done. These will outlast your kid's soccer phase — and honestly might survive until the World Cup.
