Each sport has specific equipment used for that sport, and soccer is no different. Proper selection of the right size and type of equipment is very important at any age of player, and directly relates to quality of play and reduction in injuries. For example, if a player is 7 years old and is wearing his brothers old soccer shoes that are 2 sizes to big, and plays with a size 5 ball, he will likely have difficulty performing the skills and will increase his chance of injury as well. Matching equipment to the player’s age, size, style of play, type of playing surface, and competitive level all take some consideration and a bit of understanding of how soccer equipment is designed and for what purpose. Let’s take it one piece of equipment at a time.
Soccer Balls: Balls are sized accordingly.
- Size 3 – For age Under 8; 23-24 inches in circumference; weight 11-12 ounces.
- Size 4 – for age 8-12; 25-26 inches in circumference; weight 12-13 oz.
- Size 5 – Standard Match Ball for 12 and older including adults; 27-28 inches and 14-16 oz.
Depending on manufacturer, there is often significant variation in sizes. The ball sizes/weight have been created to match the size/weight of the players so as to make them more suitable for play and less likely to produce injury.
Most balls now are made of synthetic material, but leather balls still can be found. A caution with each type of ball. Synthetics can tear as they age, and have rough, even sharp edges on them which can cause skin injuries especially to the head and neck. Leather balls absorb water when they get wet which increases the weight of the ball significantly. When you purchase a ball, check for roundness (throw it up in the air spinning); integrity of seams, and of course size. Once balls have been used coaches need to check them routinely for damage and excessive wear. I suggest that practice balls be kept separate from game balls. In older youths, the coach may have them bring their own balls to practice. Coaches need to check each ball for proper size, shell integrity, and proper inflation. Over-inflated balls and under-inflated balls are not suitable for practice and games.
Shin Guards: For a piece of protective equipment as important as it is, it is surprising how it is often neglected. While referees require them to be worn, there seems to be little emphasis on whether or not they adequately protect the player’s leg. The primary purpose of a shin guard is to protect the lower leg (duh) by redistribution of the impact when a player receives a blow to the front of the leg as would happen in a hard tackle. So, Obviously, the larger the shin guard and more snugly it fits to the front of the leg, the more the force is distributed over a greater area. Let’s go over some of the types and characteristics of shin guards.
Materials: Guards for smaller players are often made only from foam rubber, which is lightweight, comfortable, but affords minimal protection. Plastic is one step up which is more firm and slightly more protection. Polyurethane is heavier, more ridid and more protective. Plastic and poly guards have a foam or EVA backing for comfort.
Fit and Coverage: There seems to be no consensus on this. I always told my players that the guards should extend from about three finger widths (about 2 inches) below the bottom of the kneecap to three finger widths above the bend of the ankle. This way the guard does not interfere with ankle motion or kneecap-patellar tendon function. In reality, you will rarely see guards this large worn by players. When I worked as a ref, I would see guards that literally would cover only about 1/4th of the lower leg. Players will buy guards as an 8 year old and wear them until they are in their teens unless someone like a coach or ref prods them to upgrade their guards. Most pre game inspection consist of a ref having players knock on their guards with their fists and if they make a hard sound, then that is sufficient. Sometimes shin guards become a fashion statement. With my teenage girls teams, it seemed that having small shin guards was, for some reason, more feminine than wearing the larger more protective types. There was more attention paid to creative application of “electrical tape” to securing the guards under the sock than the guard itself. When function becomes fashion, safety ultimately suffers. There seems to be a trend of players in different field positions wearing different guards. Goal keepers, for example usually will wear smaller guards as they are not often involved in tackling the ball. Defenders are more inclined to wear the larger more protective guards. Forwards seem to gravitate towards the smaller, lighter guards as they feel more mobile with these. It is really up to individual preference. Some guards come with ankle protective cushions, but most older players opt for the simple “shell” variety and secure them under the sock with tape. One thing to remember is that regardless of the type or size of the shin guard, it must be completely covered by the sock. Exposure of a portion of the guard can result in injury as it can get caught on a shoe when players go in for a tackle.
Shoes (Boots): We could write two full pages here on this subject, but in the interest of brevity, I will try to keep it short, present a few thought and suggestions, and let you make your own decisions. There are many options with soccer shoes. Prices can range from $25 for a simple pair of shoes for the emerging young 6 year old, to a $200 pair of kangaroo leather elite shoes also worn by the likes of: Beckham, Donovan, Ronaldo, etc. In my experiences with soccer shoes, I have found the following to be true: Shoes made with synthetic uppers, are more stiff, do not “breathe” and are more likely to produce blisters in susceptible players. Break-in time is longer than with leather shoes. Some players can tolerate these, some cannot. Leather shoes, especially the softer varieties (calfskin, kangaroo) require less break in time, are lighter, more comfortable, “breathe” better, and are less likely to produce blisters. These are my opinions. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in soccer shoes. Having said that, it is easily understood why parents do not want to spend a fortune on a shoe when their player will outgrow it in a year’s time. There are good leather soccer shoes available in the range of $40-$70. A word about laces. I know from experience that some players will wrap extra long laces around the shoe and their ankle. If laces are wrapped around the ankle they have the potential for injuring the Achilles tendon. Wrapping them just around the instep of the shoe is a better option, or maybe just get shorter shoelaces.
Playing surface and shoe type: You will see three different shoe offerings if you browse the Internet. Hard ground (HG), Firm Ground (FG), and Soft Ground (SG). They are what they seem. Hard ground shoes have more cleats and shorter cleats, Soft ground shoes have fewer and longer cleats (often removable), and Firm ground are in-between and more universal. My personal thoughts are, unless you live where the ground is especially soft or hard, a good firm ground shoe will meet more needs for most players. Remember that shoes must provide traction on the surface, so the numbers and length of cleats in combination with the type of surface played on is important. If a player wears a shoe with long cleats that are unable to penetrate the ground, then additional forces are transmitted through the shoe to the foot. Players that play on a very hard surface might even find that a form of “turf” shoe would be suitable.
Recommendations:
- Buy the best shoes you can afford.
- Check the cleat patterns and be sure they are “soccer shoes” not cleated shoes for other sports. Soccer shoes do not have a “toe cleat” which is present on softball or baseball shoes.
- Match the cleat style (HG, FG, SG) to the surface play on.
- Select leather uppers when possible, especially if your player has feet that are difficult to fit or are prone to blisters. If they are leather, a good way to get them to fit quickly, is to get them wet and put them on and wear them for an hour or so.
- There should be about 1/4 – 1/2 inch at the end of the shoe. Remember soccer shoes should fit fairly snugly for the best ball control to be achieved. Put the shoe on, and plant the foot forward as though you were stopping quickly and be sure the toes do not slide to the end of the shoe.
FIFA Law IV: States that players should not wear anything dangerous to themselves or another player. This would include items such as: Jewelry, metal or hard plastic hair pieces, wrist bands, chokers, etc. It still amazes me that after players have been told for years not to wear jewelry, they will still show up with earrings, bracelets and necklaces on. One exception I have noted is for medical ID bands. These will normally be permitted, but must be taped or covered in such a manner as to reduce any risk. If prescription eyewear is necessary, it should have shatterproof lenses, and be secured to the head with a strap of some type. Coaches need to monitor what the players wear and do a pre-inspection of players to ensure compliance with this rule. Usually, the coaches will just leave it up to the referee to police this. Recently, my daughter’s high school team had three players cautioned and sent off to remove such items. They were permitted to return to play once the items were removed. I know for a fact these players have been playing competitive soccer since age 7-8. The bottom line on what is permissible is up to the referee of the match. I have seen great variation in this. Casts and Splints: Again, I have seen differences in how referees apply the rule. Some will not permit anything hard to be worn on the body, while others may allow these items if padded with soft material. My opinion is if a cast is worn, no amount of padding will change the fact that it has a great deal of mass and a can produce injury if swung into the head of an opponent. Local policies of tournaments and leagues will usually specify what is and is not acceptable.
In Summary: Buy good quality equipment that fits properly, and is matched to the player’s size and skill level. Check the equipment annually, and replace as needed. Wash or wipe down guards regularly. Leave shoes out in the air to dry between games. Check balls for tears, and other irregularities. Soccer players do not require a lot of equipment like hockey players, and American football players. Don’t skimp on cost, but you don’t have to spend a fortune either. It does not cost a fortune to obtain good and appropriate equipment for your player. Let Beckham and similar superstars spend the big bucks, you can find quality at more reasonable prices. If you need advice to select equipment, I suggest going to a specialty “soccer store” where you are more likely to find an “expect”, rather than a large general sporting good store when the staff may not be knowledgeable about soccer. Coaches need to remember it is not just the referees job to ensure players do not wear anything dangerous. The coach should instruct his/her players on what is and is not acceptable, and do a quick check before practices and games.
