What to Wear to Soccer Practice

As a soccer player, you want to have the best gear to play your best, have fun, and stay safe on the field. From cleats and shin guards to seasonal base layers, a range of gear is available, so it can be hard to know what to get. Soccer is a year-round game, and some leagues, coaches, and fields require specific equipment. That means you’ll need to get different gear depending on the time of year, the location, and your local league’s rules. While some leagues or coaches have specific requirements for practice gear, here are some essential soccer items that are helpful for almost every player at practice. 

Checklist: What You Need for Soccer Practice

Since soccer is all about movement, you’ll want to make sure to find soccer clothing that’s comfortable, has moisture-wicking fabrics to help you stay dry, and is lightweight so you can play your very best. 

Soccer Shirts & Jerseys

A soccer shirt or jersey should be breathable. Many jerseys are made of light synthetic materials like polyester, which wick sweat to help you stay cool and dry. They often have perforations or mesh panels for ventilation. Make sure your shirt fits comfortably without being too loose or too tight so you can move freely on the pitch without getting snagged on anything. Most players on each team wear the same jersey except the goalie. Jerseys for goalkeepers are typically long-sleeved to help differentiate the goalie from other players on the field. This design also helps keep goalies a little warmer, which is helpful because they run around much less than other players. 

Soccer Shorts

Like jerseys, soccer shorts should be light and flexible, with good ventilation. Look for shorts with an elastic waistband and a drawstring, which provides a secure fit that stays in place as you move. Most players prefer shorts that fall just above the knee, but that’s mostly a matter of preference. Try different lengths to see what makes you feel best.

Soccer Cleats & Shoes

Kids’ soccer cleats provide traction on the field, helping you make quick turns and cuts on all different types of fields. They’re crucial pieces of equipment that help improve both performance and safety. When choosing soccer cleats, it’s important to consider the surface you’ll be playing on and to get cleats made for that type of surface. There are firm-ground and soft-ground cleats for natural grass, turf shoes for artificial turf, and indoor soccer shoes for hard indoor courts. 

Cleats come with different levels of support for your foot and ankle. Think about your position when choosing your cleats: 

Forwards focus on speed and traction, so they’ll want to look for lightweight cleats with a low-cut design.

Midfielders, defenders, and goalies need more support for quick lateral movements and stability, so they may want a higher collar with good ankle support.

Regardless of your position or the playing surface, you’ll always want to check with your coach about the requirements for your team or league.

Shin Guards

Shin guards are a must for all soccer players. They protect your shins from the ball and from other players’ legs and feet. Some shin guards also come with ankle guards for added protection at the cost of a bit of mobility. Look for shin guards that give you the right coverage and protection without being too bulky. When looking for the right-sized shin guards, take measurements of your shins and compare them against the sizing guidelines. Make sure they stay securely in place without feeling tight or constricting as you move. 

Soccer Socks

Unlike most other socks, soccer socks are designed to go over the calf and up to the knee. To help keep you comfortable, it’s best to get cushioned socks made of sweat-wicking materials that will help keep your feet cool and dry. Some soccer socks are made with materials that fight odors. Many teams require socks of a specific color as part of their uniform, so check the uniform requirements before buying them.

Important Soccer Accessories

Soccer Bag: An athletic bag for soccer needs to be large enough to hold everything you’ll need, including a soccer ball, but not so big that it’s hard to carry or stash in a locker. It’s helpful to get a durable bag with lots of compartments and pockets to keep your things safe, organized, and accessible.

Soccer Ball: While coaches usually provide several balls for team practice, you might also want to bring your own ball. This will allow you to practice your skills on your own time and work on drills you may not have time for during team practices.

Extra Socks: Your feet will likely get wet and sweaty during practice, so it’s always a good idea to pack an extra pair of socks.

Water Bottle: It’s always important to stay hydrated no matter the weather, so pack a water bottle in your bag. Consider getting one with a clip that you can attach to your sports bag or school backpack.

Sunscreen: If you’re practicing outdoors, pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Extra Snacks: Hunger pangs are common during and after practice. Bringing some fruit or a granola bar is always a good idea.

Headbands or Hair Ties: You don’t want to worry about hair and sweat on your face, so it’s helpful to pack a headband or a few hair ties to keep your eyes clear.

First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen during practice, so it’s important to make sure you have a small first aid kit on hand. Make sure it contains items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.

Cold Weather Soccer Gear

Winter practices pose a dilemma: How do you stay warm without overheating? That’s where athletic base layers come in handy. They’re designed to regulate your body temperature as you warm up, helping you stay comfortable while venting moisture so you don’t get overheated. Here are pieces of athletic wear that work well in cold weather.

Long-Sleeved Base Layer or Training Shirts

Long-sleeved base layer training shirts fit easily under jerseys and jackets, making them a great way to layer up for the Winter. A good-quality base layer will provide insulation and protection without restricting your freedom of movement. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer shirts that stretch easily in all directions.

Soccer Training Pants

Soccer pants are built to help you stay warm and dry without weighing you down on the field. Look for pants made of stretchy material with a flexible elastic waistband. If you like to layer training pants over leggings, consider getting a pair that zips around the ankle so you can take them on and off while wearing cleats.

Leggings or Tights

Like base layer shirts, athletic leggings or tights are excellent options for cold weather because you can wear them on their own or layer them beneath training pants or soccer shorts. They’re more form-fitting than soccer pants and come in various lengths and styles. Try them out to find your favorite type.

Athletic Jackets & Hoodies

Flexible jackets and hoodies are great for layering, allowing you to dress up or down as the weather changes. Many of them come with versatile designs that you can adjust on the fly to get the right amount of coverage.

Things Not to Bring to Kids’ Soccer Practice

Clothing Made from Heavy Material

Avoid 100% cotton clothing, which tends to absorb sweat and moisture and become heavy. Jeans aren’t ideal because denim is often heavy and restrictive. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable, and stretchy clothing made specifically for soccer practice.

Jewelry

If possible, avoid wearing jewelry to soccer practice, especially necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, as it might catch on another player or clothing. By selecting the right soccer essentials, you can stay protected, dry, and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the game and reach your full potential on the field.