Kit
The basic kit comprises of a shirt, shorts and socks. The material should be light, comfortable and hard wearing (muddy shirts need a lot of washing!). Long sleeved shirts are usually worn in winter but some footballers prefer to wear short-sleeved shirts all year round. There are hundreds of designs to choose from including club replica shirts. If you play for a team, they will provide you with a shirt for matches.Shorts come in various lengths. Wear ones that you can move in easily. Many footballers wear cycling shorts under their normal shorts for support or added warmth in winter.
Knee-length football socks are made from cotton or a cotton blend. Keep them up with tie-ups. You can buy these ready-made from sports shops or use rubber bands, laces, or tapes.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers need a top, shorts, socks and gloves. Goalkeeping tops have extra padding on the shoulders and elbows to give extra protection when the goalkeeper dives on the ground to make a save. Goalkeeping gloves are light and comfortable and allow the keeper to 'feel' the ball easily.
Boots
Football boots are the most important item in your kit, and probably the most expensive, so choose carefully. They come in lots of different styles - and colours!
Things to look for:
- comfort
- support for your feet, especially your ankles
- good quality material - the softer the leather, the easier it is to feel the ball
- a good fit
- removable studs (unless you buy boots with 'blades')
Try boots on with football socks but make sure they fit. Boots that are too big can cause blisters as your feet move around in them. If they are loose when you play you can't feel the touch of the ball properly.
Buy spare sets of studs and use flat rubber studs for hard ground, aluminium studs for wet and slippery pitches, and nylon studs for other playing surfaces, except all weather pitches.
Trainers
Wear trainers if you are playing in a gym or on an all-weather pitch. Choose lightweight trainers that fit properly, give support, provide a good grip and are comfortable to wear.
Extras
BallFootballs come in a variety of sizes and materials. Ask at a sports shop for advice about a ball that is the correct size and weight for your age. If you play regularly with your friends, use a good quality ball - it will last longer and it will encourage you to play properly.
Shin pads
These are lightweight pads that you wear inside your socks to protect your shins (the lower front part of your leg). Some shin pads are larger and they protect your ankles as well. Shin pads are sold in different sizes so choose pads that are right for your age. If you choose pads with ankle supports, try them on with your boots to make sure they fit.
Tracksuit
A tracksuit is useful to wear for training or when you are warming up before a match.
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