Parent guide
What equipment does my child need for their first soccer season?
Short answer
Four things cover most first seasons: soccer cleats, shin guards, socks that pull up over the shin guards, and a ball in the size your league uses. Many clubs also provide or sell a team jersey and shorts, and you will want a water bottle. The must-have items on this page add up to about $124–$303. Check with the club before buying anything team-specific, such as sock color.
By Parent Sideline · Published October 25, 2026
How youth soccer is set up
Younger players usually play on smaller fields with fewer players per side, so every child touches the ball more. U.S. Soccer describes its youth small-sided standards as running from age six and under up to twelve and under, and names 7v7 and 9v9 among the formats as players age.
Exact formats, field sizes, and rules differ by league and by age group. Your club or coach can tell you what your child will play.
Offside, explained simply
A player is offside when they are ahead of both the ball and the second-last defender in the opponents' half at the moment a teammate plays the ball. The simple version for parents: attackers cannot wait behind the last defender for a pass.
Some leagues do not enforce offside for the youngest age groups. Ask yours before you spend the game confused by a whistle.
Safety basics
Shin guards are compulsory equipment under the Laws of the Game, and the player is responsible for wearing a suitable size. Most youth leagues will not let a child play without them.
Leagues commonly ban metal studs on cleats. For concussion or other injury concerns, follow your league's protocol and your doctor's guidance rather than anything on a sports website.
By age and level
- U6–U8
- Smallest formats and shortest games. This site lists a size 3 ball for this range. Ask your club whether cleats are expected at this age.
- U9–U12
- Formats grow as players get older. This site lists a size 4 ball. Expect more structured positions and, in many leagues, offside.
- U13 and up
- Full-size ball (size 5) and larger fields. Gear needs are similar, but fit and durability matter more as kids play more.
Equipment and estimated cost
Checklist: first soccer season · must-haves about $124–$303
- Soccer CleatsBuy half a size up — kids' feet grow fast and they may start wearing them mid-season.$25 – $80
- Shin Guards$8 – $25
- Soccer Socks$8 – $15
- Soccer BallGet a ball pump too — they deflate faster than you expect.$15 – $40
- Water BottleLabel it with their name. They will lose it.$8 – $20
- Team Jersey & Shorts$30 – $60
- Youth Athletic Comfort Slides$20 – $45
- Shin Guard Sleeves & Stay Straps$10 – $18
Also helpful
- Soccer Bag$20 – $45
- Ball Pump & Needles$8 – $15
- Disc Cones / Markers$10 – $20
- Pop-Up Training Goal$25 – $55
- Cleat & Bag Odor Deodorizer$10 – $20
- Ranges are Parent Sideline estimates for entry-level to mid-range gear at major U.S. retailers. They are not live prices.
- The total adds the low and high of each must-have item's range. It matches the must-have estimate on the gear guide.
- Club or league registration fees, uniforms provided by the club, and tournament costs are not included.
Some gear links on this site are affiliate links, which may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Details.
Common mistakes
- Buying cleats that fit exactly. Kids grow fast, so many parents buy about half a size up (check the fit with the socks and shin guards on).
- Forgetting shin guards, which are required equipment. Keep a spare pair in the car.
- Choosing a ball by looks instead of size. Use the size your age group plays with.
- Buying team-color socks or a kit before the club has said what it requires.
- Spending heavily before your child knows if they want to keep playing.
Frequently asked questions
Are shin guards required for youth soccer?
Yes. Shin guards are a compulsory part of a player's equipment under the Laws of the Game, and youth leagues enforce this. They should be covered by the socks.
Does a first-time player need cleats?
It depends on the league and age group. Many families buy firm-ground cleats for grass fields, but ask your coach or club first. Avoid metal studs.
What ball size should I buy for practice at home?
Use the size your age group plays with. This site lists size 3 for U6–U8, size 4 for U9–U12, and size 5 for U13 and up. Confirm with your league.
How many players are on the field in youth soccer?
It depends on the age group and league. Younger players play with fewer on each side. U.S. Soccer names 7v7 and 9v9 among its small-sided formats, and adult soccer is 11v11.
Sources
- U.S. Soccer: five things to know about the small-sided standards — Youth small-sided formats and why they exist.
- FIFA: Laws of the Game — Official rules, including Law 4 (players' equipment) and Law 11 (offside).
- U.S. Youth Soccer — Governing body for many youth leagues; check your state association for league rules.
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) — Pediatrician-reviewed guidance on kids, sports, and safety.
Rules and requirements differ by league. When a source and your league disagree, follow your league.
Ready to find a team?
Search soccer programs near you and ask what gear they require.
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