Gear Up for Football With These Must-Haves

Do you want to know the best part about football? It’s the fact that it can be played by literally anyone, regardless of age or experience. So whether you’ve just signed up your little one for training or you want to have a go at it yourself, you need to have a look at all the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable experience. Even if you’re simply a keen observer of football, it wouldn’t hurt having a few of your favourite team’s trinkets and collectibles, now would it?

Regardless of what your role is, choosing the appropriate football equipment is a whole process in itself. This can be somewhat more difficult and overwhelming if you’re just starting out. Imagine scouring the internet for all the essentials for hours on end. It doesn’t really sound like a pleasant experience. But don’t fret – you’ve come across the right place since we’ll be giving you a rundown on all the relevant pieces of equipment to help you get started.

Kick Things off With the Right Ball

It’s not really surprising that you can’t play football without it. Whether you’re in a big game or just playing around with friends in the backyard, having a good ball can really make or break the whole experience. But how do you choose the best soccer ball? It’s quite simple, once you know exactly what to look for.

First thing’s first, you should think about the size. Generally, the sizing chart ranges from 1 to 5. On the lower end of the scale, 1 is the smallest and most appropriate for young children whereas 5 is the largest and most suitable for adults.

Next up, the exterior layer of soccer balls is known as a cover, which is oftentimes made of synthetic leather – either PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The former is a known component of high end balls while the latter is commonly found in lower-grade models. Take this into consideration when shopping for durable football balls online.

Usually, the panels on the more expensive models are hand-stitched in order to achieve a premium feel. On the other side of the spectrum, the low-priced models’ panels are glued together which contributes to a harder outer layer.

Another thing you should keep in mind is that in most cases, when you’re playing an official game, there are pre-defined ball characteristics that you’re required to meet. This is quite convenient when you think about it because you’ll get the standard version without worrying too much about the specifics. Ultimately, it’ll save you a lot of time and effort when searching for football balls online.

Make a Statement with the Right Apparel

There are a few signature clothing items all football enthusiasts have in common.

Jerseys

Also known as kits, sports jerseys are the perfect way to present a united front with your team. When all of you wear the same clothes, it’s easier for you to identify each other on the pitch.

Alternatively, if you’re having a bit of football fun with friends or family, it wouldn’t hurt to have your favourite player’s name written down on your back. Surely it’ll give you an extra boost of confidence and motivation.

Tracksuit

When the weather is on the colder side, you’ll probably have to snuggle up in something warmer. Can you think of anything better than a tracksuit with your favourite team’s signature emblem? You shouldn’t have to stop showing your support just because it’s too chilly to wear a jersey.

Keep Your Feet Safe with Footwear

No one can deny the importance of wearing quality footwear, especially in football. For this reason, there’s a particular type of shoe that’s worn while playing this sport – a pair of cleats. The sole on each one is specifically designed to help you keep your balance and prevent slipping. This is quite beneficial considering how often footballers slip and fall on a wet terrain.

In terms of the material, if you’re looking for something on the softer side with loads of comfort and flexibility, then kangaroo or natural leather is the perfect option for you. The only downside is the fact that neither is waterproof. On the other hand, synthetic leathers are quite resistant to water damage which, in turn, makes them more durable. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which features are more important in your style of play.

Another important aspect is ankle height. While mid-height provides extra support for your ankle, it can also limit your mobility to a certain extent. You won’t find this issue in low-profile models though you’ll probably be more prone to injury due to the lack of padding in that area. If you’re a striker or a winger, it won’t necessarily affect you as much while defenders can definitely benefit from additional safety.

Additional accessories

Finally, we’ll be taking a closer look at a few honourable mentions.

Hats and Gloves

While wearing accessories in general is forbidden during official matches, hats and gloves might come in handy for training sessions or playing ball in colder conditions. After all, freezing your fingers or ears off while constantly running around isn’t a pleasant feeling in the slightest.

Bags

Lastly, you’ll need a place to store all your essentials when you’re on the go. These days, there’s a whole range of training bags of all shapes and sizes, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that suits your needs.