What Equipment Does a Player Need?

BALL - Encourage each player to have his or her own ball and to use it often, not just during team practice. Players will not derive maximum benefit from practice unless they each have their own ball for warm-ups and individual Activities.

Soccer balls come in a variety of sizes, each designated by a number:

  • Size #3 - smallest standard size, for the youngest players (e.g. U-6 to U-8)
  • Size #4 - intermediate size, appropriate for U-9 through U-12
  • Size #5 - largest standard size, for U-13 to adult

SHIN GUARDS - An absolute requirement for games, should also be worn for all practices, the pull-on "legging" type with foam padding protecting the front of the leg from ankle to shin is an excellent shin guard. Those with plastic inserts offer additional protection, especially for the older player. Consider washability when selecting a shin guard.

SOCCER SHOES - Recommended, but not required by most clubs. Baseball or football type shoes with square or rectangular cleats are not legal for soccer. Soccer cleats for most recreational play must be rubber or molded plastic (no metal cleats), and no less than 3/8 inch in diameter.

Check your club's regulations, then check your players' shoes for illegal cleats, protruding nails, or sharp edges, and correct any problem before a referee discovers a violation and one of your players is forced to sit out a game.

WATER BOTTLE (with player's name on it) - Fresh water should be available to your players at each practice and game. It is easier for the coach if each player provides his or her own water bottle.

SHIRTS, SOCKS, SHORTS - One or more of these items may be provided for each player by your local club. Be sure that you are aware of your club's policies with respect to uniforms and inform your players and parents of any requirements.

 
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For more information, please contact us at:  StateOffice@kysoccer.net

This website is the official website of the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association, Inc., 443 South Ashland Avenue, Suite 201, Lexington, Kentucky 40502 - Phone 859-268-1254 - Facsimile 859-269-0545   © Kentucky Youth Soccer Association 2009.  All rights reserved. No commercial reproduction, adaptation, distribution or transmission of any part or parts of this website or any information contained, herein by any means whatsoever is permitted without the prior written permission of Kentucky Youth Soccer.
 
COACHING GUIDELINES
Coaching Guidelines
What is player development?
What is the role of a coach?
What are the components of the game?
How do you deal with parents?
What do you cover in the parents first meeting?
What equipment does a coach need?
What equipment does a player need?
What about coach liabilities, player safety?
Soccer Glossary