Nine years ago, I signed up to Coach Pee-Wee soccer and they actually handed me a team. Realizing that I had not played soccer in over 8 years (at that point) and that playing soccer and coaching soccer are COMPLETELY different things…I purchased “Soccer Coaching for Dummies”. Fortunately, I found that I did in fact already know everything in the book (although I have kept the book just in case), it was the first thing I thought of as my niece and I discussed her need to learn soccer. Her son, my Godson, started Intramural soccer last week and she has never played the game. I plan to pull the book out this week and take a good luck through it and use it to guide this series of articles we will call “Soccer for New & Experienced Soccer Parents who Know Nothing or Less Than They Realize About Youth Soccer”. A mouthful, but OH what fun it was to type and imagine how many soccer moms & dads on the sideline of Premier Level games I would like to share this series with…
Today we start by discussing proper equipment for Youth Soccer Players. I wanted to support my Godson and help out my niece by buying his equipment and found that I have grown into a COMPLETE Soccer Equipment snob. Although I bitch and moan every season at the money I must spend on 2-3 pairs of cleats per kid, the cost of soccer balls for my team (and kids), and dread the battle with my boys as we buy shin guards, warm ups, and every other item that is being mass marketed as Youth Soccer gains attention in the US, I was excited to buy my Godson his first set of equipment. As I searched my usual online soccer resources and then stopped in to my “go to” neighborhood soccer store, and finally went to a local National Chain Sports store- I realized that although I know better, the temptation to spend more money than necessary was immense. **NEW SOCCER PARENTS OF INTRAMURAL PLAYERS- AVOID THE TEMPTATION** do not spend more than $60 TOTAL on a decent pair of shin guards, a proper size soccer ball, and an inexpensive but sturdy pair of soccer cleats. If your child loves the sport and has the interest and skill to move to Travel soccer or higher over the next few years, there will be PLENTY of time to spend money you don’t have on necessary certain quality cleats, uniforms, warm ups etc etc etc.
Intramural players need the following:
Sturdy Shin Guards: Shin guards should fit the player just above the ankle and cover the child’s shin to below the knee. Most intramural players are under the age of 12 and although not required, the reality is these players should only be wearing shin guards that are either attached, or come with, ankle guards which will provide a very thin layer of material to cover the ankle. The shin guard should have an elastic strap to go under the young player’s foot and keep the shin guard in proper place. The big boys, professional players, and the “style” is currently an ultra-thin and “light” shin guard that has no straps and is very unsafe for kids. It is not worth putting your young player’s shins at risk. At such a young age, the likelihood is that many teammates and opponents will be kicking more shins than balls and you want to make sure your little futboler is properly protected.
Proper Size Soccer Ball: The cost of a soccer ball can range from $8-over $200 and vary in size. See the following size description: (The “U” before the age indicates “Under” ie- U7 means for players up to the age of 7. Check with your coach).
Size 1- Reserved for commemorative soccer balls or a “skill ball”, too small to play a game or scrimmage.
Size 2- A mid-size skill ball slightly bigger than Size 1.
Size 3- This is the soccer ball that your Pee Wee and Youth player up to U7 should be using. The inexpensive balls they sell at the local superstore is just as good as the balls at soccer specific stores and websites. What you need to make sure is that the ball is an actual soccer ball and is not a foam or plastic ball made to look like a soccer ball. A proper soccer ball has a little weight and bounce to it, but it should not be “squeezable” or rock hard.
Size 4- This ball is used for ages U8-U11.
Size 5- This ball is for ages U12 and up. A Size 5 ball is the size used by adults and professionals also.
It is NOT beneficial for your child to train with a ball that is bigger than recommended for their age as the ball they use in games will be the size required by the league. As a Coach, I would sometimes use a larger size ball or over-inflated ball for shooting drills for the purpose of strengthening the kicks. When training a player for skill and technique, the proper size ball for their age should be used.
There is no need for a “futsal” ball in Intramural Soccer. A futsal ball is heavier and smaller than the average soccer ball and is created to be used specifically during Futsal Soccer games, which is a fast paced version of soccer that is played with smaller teams and on gym floors, usually during the winter months.
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| Ground Cleats |
Soccer Cleats: The cleat your young player needs depends on the
type of field he or she will be playing and practicing on. At this age, a basic rubber soled ground cleat (these are your classic soccer cleat with rubber/plastic studs) is the best choice as they can be used on Grass and turf fields. Although the urge will be there to spend the $40-$100 on the newest and most stylish cleat, the reality is your young or Intramural player will only be wearing them about 3 times a week and the basic $20-$30 cleat is all they need. If your club’s fields are turf and the only place your child will play, or if your child is playing at a higher level, you may want to purchase a turf cleat, which have rubber soles and the studs are much smaller. Indoor cleats have a traditional flat rubber sole that looks like a sneaker and can ONLY be worn on Indoor and gym floors. The risk with the Indoor cleat is that your child may not get the necessary traction on a turf field.
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| Indoor Cleats |
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| Turf Cleats |
I remember shopping for my son’s cleats when he was 10 and the Soccer Store owner stopping me from buying one of the more expensive specialized cleats. He was very honest when he explained that he would love to earn the money on the more expensive sale, but the reality was that my son did not need the more expensive cleat at that time. The owner, and former soccer player and trainer, explained that if he is not playing 5-7 days a week, he was not in need of whatever benefits the more expensive cleat had to offer. I give the same advice- if your child continues in soccer she or he will be spending plenty of your money in the coming years and sooner than later you will HAVE to pay $100 or more per pair of cleats and will have to buy ground and turf cleats every season.
There is time for all the extras as your child gets older and decides if she or he wants to continue in soccer. The important part is to make sure they show up to each practice on time and with their shin guards, socks over shin guards, cleats, and water. If your club has issued a specific t-shirt or jersey for practices, make sure they wear that also with appropriate shorts or sweatpants. As a coach, I recommend that a player NOT wear a hoodie style shirt and it is worth buying a $7 store brand Under Armour style shirt for cooler days of practice and play.
Most importantly, let the coaches and trainers do their job and as a parent you do your job of being supportive and encouraging and making sure soccer is a fun experience for your child and yourself! While it is important that your child learns to follow the instructions of the coach/trainer and respect them, if the child’s behavior is becoming a distraction to the team, take them quietly to the side until they are ready to follow the coach’s instruction. This allows the coach to focus on the rest of the team. But MOST Importantly...Let the kids play, the coaches coach, and have FUN!!
Next week we will discuss some basic soccer terms and rules. Even us “seasoned” soccer parents and coaches can use reminders also.
