The Football Parent
FIRST FOOTBALL KIT
Everything they need to start football — without the guesswork.
Starting football is exciting, but knowing what your child actually needs can be confusing. We've brought together the essentials to help you get them ready for their first sessions without buying things they don't need.
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WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY NEED?
You don't need to buy everything on day one. Start with the basics and add to their kit as they get into the game.
ESSENTIAL
- Football
- Shin pads
- Football socks
- Water bottle
- Suitable football footwear
NICE TO HAVE
- Boot bag
- Training top
- Training shorts
- Spare socks
WAIT UNTIL LATER
- Advanced training equipment
- Multiple pairs of boots
- Expensive specialist equipment
- Large quantities of training equipment
THE FIRST FOOTBALL ESSENTIALS
These are the products we'd suggest looking at first.
Training Footballs
Shin Pads
Football Socks
Water Bottles
Required for matches and essential for safety.
A simple essential for training and matchdays.
For younger players following the FA's FutureFit guidance.
Designed to hold shin pads securely in place.
Boot Bags
Keeps muddy boots and kit together (and out of the car).
Football Boots
Focus on fit and comfort over price or brand.
Training Shorts
Comfortable, breathable shorts for football sessions.
Training Tops
A simple top they can wear to regular training.
Good Reads: Football Academy Books for Parents
Raising a young player in or around a football academy can feel exciting and overwhelming. These recommended reads will help you understand the pathway, support your child, and keep perspective along the way.
Football Parent - Navigating your Child's Football Pathway
As a football parent, you want to see your child grow, both on and off the pitch. But navigating the world of youth football can be challenging, especially with the pressures, expectations, and choices that come with it. 90 Minutes as a Football Parent is here to help you every step of the way.
Written by Carl Dixon, a coach with experience at top UK football academies like Chelsea and Tottenham, this book offers practical advice on how to support your child’s football journey. Whether they dream of turning pro or just want to enjoy the game, Carl gives you the tools to help manage expectations, balance pressure, and ensure the focus stays on enjoyment and growth.
CHOOSING THEIR FIRST FOOTBALL BOOTS
Their first football boots don't need to be the most expensive pair on the shelf. Fit, comfort and the playing surface matter more.
FIRM GROUND
Suitable natural grass pitches.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS
Suitable artificial grass pitches.
ASTRO / TURF
Suitable shorter artificial surfaces where appropriate.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOTBALL SIZE
Not sure which size football your child needs? The FA's FutureFit guidance provides a simple progression through the youth age groups, with Size 3 used through Year 6 before moving to Size 4 and then Size 5.
These are the FA's FutureFit guidelines for the 2026/27 season. Clubs and competitions may have their own equipment requirements, so if you're buying a ball specifically for match use, check with your child's club or league.
Based on England Football's FutureFit guidance for the 2026/27 season.
Practical Player Kit Bag
Enough space for everything, but not too big for them to carry themselves.
THE FOOTBALL PARENT PICKS
Our favourite practical products for children starting football.
Precision Training Markers
Simple, flat markers that don't trip them up during home practice sessions.
Matchday Water Bottle
Keeps water cool during those long tournament mornings in the sun.
Shin Pad Sleeves
Prevents the pad from sliding down and causing frustration during the game.
STILL NOT SURE WHAT THEY NEED?
Don't worry. You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics and add to their kit as they become more involved in football.
HELPFUL FOOTBALL PARENT GUIDES
We're here to help football parents make sensible choices. Some products we recommend may earn The Football Parent a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.