The Football Parent
MATCHDAY ESSENTIALS
Everything they need for matchday — without the last-minute panic.
Grassroots matchdays are busy enough without wondering whether you've forgotten something. We've put together the essentials to help you and your young footballer arrive prepared and ready to play.
MATCH KIT
- Shirt
- Shorts
- Football socks
- Shin pads
BAG
- Football bag or kit bag
THE MATCHDAY CHECKLIST
Start with the basics. You don't need a huge bag of equipment to be ready for a football match.
FOOTWEAR
- Football boots suitable for the playing surface
WEATHER
- Warm layer
- Rain jacket where appropriate
- Spare clothing
HYDRATION
- Water bottle
EXTRAS
- Towel
- Spare socks
- Snacks where appropriate
THE ESSENTIALS THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE
SHIN PADS
An essential part of their football kit.
FOOTBALL SOCKS
Complete the kit and help keep shin pads securely in place.
FOOTBALL BAGS
Keep boots, kit and matchday essentials together.
WATER BOTTLES
A simple essential for training and matchday.
WEATHER LAYERS
Useful for keeping comfortable before and after games.
FIRM GROUND
For suitable natural grass pitches.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOTBALL BOOTS
The most important thing is that their boots are comfortable and appropriate for the surface they'll be playing on.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS
For suitable artificial grass pitches.
ASTRO / TURF
For suitable shorter artificial surfaces where appropriate.
COLD
Warm layers; Suitable jacket; Spare clothing
BE READY FOR THE WEATHER
Grassroots football doesn't always come with perfect weather. A little preparation can make matchday much easier.
WET
Rain jacket; Spare socks; Towel; Change of clothes
HOT
Water bottle; Lightweight clothing; Appropriate sun protection
CHANGEABLE
Layers; Waterproof jacket; Spare clothes
COLD
Warm layers; Suitable jacket; Spare clothing
BE READY FOR THE WEATHER
Grassroots football doesn't always come with perfect weather. A little preparation can make matchday much easier.
WET
Rain jacket; Spare socks; Towel; Change of clothes
HOT
Water bottle; Lightweight clothing; Appropriate sun protection
CHANGEABLE
Layers; Waterproof jacket; Spare clothes
MATCHDAY PARENT PICKS
A few practical products that can make matchday easier.
Insulated 1L Water Bottle
Heavy-Duty Kit Bag
Pro-Flex Shin Pads
WHY WE LIKE IT: Durable, leak-proof and keeps drinks cold for the whole match duration.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Separate boot compartment and waterproof base for muddy sidelines.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Light enough to forget they're on, but offer excellent protection.
BEST FOR: All matchdays, especially hot summer tournaments.
BEST FOR: Keeping all matchday gear organized in one place.
BEST FOR: Young players who find traditional pads bulky or uncomfortable.
FOOTBALL PARENT TIP
PACK THE NIGHT BEFORE
Get the boots, shin pads, socks, water bottle and weather layers ready the evening before. It makes matchday morning much easier and means you're less likely to forget something.
CHECK THE PITCH AND WEATHER BEFORE YOU LEAVE.