Does the thought of buying football gear for your young athlete give you a headache? It’s a common feeling! You want your kid to play safely and have fun, but navigating the world of helmets, pads, and cleats can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, sizes, and safety ratings to consider. It’s easy to worry if you are picking the best protection for their first (or tenth!) season.
Choosing the right equipment is more than just checking a box; it’s about peace of mind and performance on the field. Getting the wrong fit can lead to discomfort or, worse, potential injury. But don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what your young football player needs, focusing on safety, fit, and value.
Keep reading to discover our simple checklist for essential gear, tips for checking safety standards, and how to ensure every piece fits perfectly. Let’s get your young star geared up and ready to tackle the season with confidence!
Top Football Equipment For Youth Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
X-UMEUS Agility Ladder Speed Training Equipment Set-20ft Agility Ladder,12 Soccer Cones,4 Hurdles, Jump Rope, Running Parachute| Basketball Football Soccer Training Equipment for Kids Youth Adults
- "Most Complete Speed and Agility Training Set": A versatile soccer agility training equipment set include everything your need- to train like a professional. Includes a 20ft adjustable speed ladder with 4 *ground stakes, 4 *Adjustable agility hurdles,12* soccer cones, 1* speed parachute,1*Jump Rope,a portable carry bag and 1*footwork drill posters. The football training equipment set with various sport equipment add extra edge to your training sessions and take your abilities to the next level
- "Suitable for People of all Ages and Levels": The soccer football agility training equipment designed for kids, youth,adults,sports and fitness enthusiasts. Whether you are a professional athletes ,coaches or a beginner amateur. All sports equipments are specially selected for speed and agility training,that can be used for Most Sports: Football, Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, Track, Lacrosse, Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Cricket Practice etc
- "Awake Your Potential": Our professional-grade speed ladder agility ladder set are built to last, so that you can get the most out of your drill. The agility ladder speed training equipment set is ideal for improving Agility, Speed, Leg Strength, Body Balance, Coordination, Endurance, Footwork, Jump Ability& Explosiveness. It also can help losing weight as it can TORCH CALORIES bigtime.This speed agility training Equipment is perfect for any athlete looking to maximize their potential
- "Assemble Quick, Train Efficient": Footwork ladder with adjustable Rung Design,You can simple adjust it to meet your workout demands. Rotate & Twist adjustable agility hurdles, you can get hurdles of two heights(8.5 and 12 inch). The footwork guides are ideal for football, soccer, basketball training; Using Soccer cones to create a fun obstacle course; Adjustable jump rope can be adjusted in length, suitable for kids and adult. Convenient for you to train anytime anywhere
- "Brand Supports": We are very confident that you will like our football ladder training equipment set. You can contact us at any time if you have any questions on the speed ladder agility ladder set , We will answer your email within 24 hours and solve the problem. If you need replacement parts, you can reach out to us via your Amazon order detail page (Go to Your Orders>Problem with order>Contact Seller)
Bestseller No. 2
GHB Agility Ladder,Football Training Equipment Set,4 Agility Hurdles, 20 feet12 Rungs Speed Ladder,12 Disc Cones,Resistance Parachute, Jump Rope, 4 Resistance Bands (Yellow)
- 20 Feet 12 Rungs Agility Ladder and 12 Cones for Workout: Ideal for beginners and professional athletes, this agility ladder set is a must-have for improving speed, agility, coordination, quickness and overall athletic performance.Easy Adjustable 12 Rungs Not Tangled for the next time use.
- 4 Agility Hurdles Football Soccer Speed Training Equipment Set: Agility Hurdles with Ajustable 2 Height for different drills and techniques.A must have for football baseball basketball workout acceleration training.
- Resistance Parachute with Belt and Bands Speed Training Set: Parachute with fast release waist belt include for improved speed, stamina, strength, and acceleration chute releases while running for over speed training.
- Football Training Equipment Set Suitable for People of all Ages: Portable Durable Workout Training Sets for kids, athletes, children, adults, coaches, sports and fitness enthusiasts.
- All You Need Agility Training Equipment Kit Include: Ajusable Height 4 Agility Hurdles, 20ft 12 Rungs Speed Ladder,12 Disc Cones,1 Resistance Parachute with release belt, 1 jump rope, 5 resistance bands,1 cone holder,1 paper drills guide,4 metal pegs,1 carry bag.
Bestseller No. 3
Franklin Sports Future Champs Youth Football Goal Post Set No. 14266
- Easy to assemble: Why settle for an inflatable football goal post when you can enjoy a durable goal post that’s easy and fast to assemble Be up and running quickly with this football goal post for kids
- Great for families: Help your child kick a football field goal with this football goal post set for kids; It’s perfect for families that are looking to teach their kids the fundamentals of football and how to kick a football through the uprights
- Future champion ready: Includes a mini 7.5 inch football that’s perfect for small feet This complete football goal post set helps instill a love of the game in a way that’s exciting and fun
- Weighted base: Prevent your football goal post from flying away with a weighted base designed for fast assembly. Perfect for practicing making a football field goal, this kids’ football goal post has everything you need
- Wide football goal: Not every football field goal is created equal. Franklin’s wide football field goal post, 6ft x 4ft, is designed to encourage good kicking and field goal preparation habits from an early age
Bestseller No. 4
MUROZA Agility Ladder, Agility Speed Training Equipment Set, 20ft Speed Ladder, 12 Soccer Cones, 4 Hurdles, Jump Rope, Running Parachute, Soccer Football Basketball Training Equipment Accessories
- Complete Agility Soccer Training Equipment Kit: kids agility training equipment set includes a 20-foot agility ladder for kids with 12 adjustable rungs and 4 durable stakes, 4 adjustable-height agility hurdles, 12 disc cones, and a running resistance parachute. Perfect for beginners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, hurdles training equipment, soccer equipment for training helps improve speed, coordination, and endurance for football, soccer, and more.
- Perfect for All Ages and Skill Levels: Agility Ladder for kids, youth, adults, football ladder training, soccer training equipment, football accessories, soccer and football agility training equipment, football equipment is ideal for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts. soccer accessories set boosts leg strength, quickness, and overall athletic performance, making football gear a must-have for agility, speed, and footwork drills in football, soccer, and basketball.
- Efficient Design for Maximum Results: Featuring a fixed-width speed ladder, this set eliminates tripping hazards and ensures smooth training sessions. Whether you’re in the backyard, at the park, or in a gym, football equipment, speed ladder agility ladder and hurdles kit allows for fast setup and easy portability, making football gear perfect for home workouts or soccer training equipment in any weather.
- Enhance Your Athletic Performance: Unlock your full potential with this agility ladder training kit, ideal for soccer, football, baseball, and basketball training. It can also create fun and challenging obstacle courses for both kids and adults, helping improve agility, coordination, and speed with every session.agility training equipment, training ladder for footwork, agility ladder for kids, exercise ladders for agility training, agility ladder speed training equipment, soccer accessories.
- Reliable Brand Support: We are committed to your satisfaction! If you have any questions about your kids agility training equipment set, our customer service team will respond with in 24 hours. For replacement parts or any assistance, simply visit your Amazon order page (Go to Your Orders > Problem with Order > Contact Seller), and we’ll take care of it quickly.
Bestseller No. 5
Franklin Sports Grip-Rite Junior Football — Fun Youth-Size Football for Kids’ Football Games — Synthetic Leather Football for Kids
- JUNIOR SIZE: This junior football is the perfect size for kids to grip, throw, kick and catch the ball with ease
- EXTRA GRIP: This football has a durable synthetic leather covering designed with deep pebble texture to provide enhanced grip for easier catching and throwing
- PRO STYLE LACES: The pro-style, double-tuck, hand sewn laces are easy to grip so young players can throw tight spirals
- PREMIUM DURABILITY: This football is built tough with all-weather materials so you can play rain or shine season after season
- AIR PUMP INCLUDED: Footballs arrive deflated and includes an air pump with needle so you can inflate the ball to the perfect level for play
Bestseller No. 6
Agility Ladder,Speed Training Equipment Set,20ft Rungs Speed Ladder,Soccer Cones,Jump Rope, Running Resistance Umbrella,Basketball Equipment Football Fitness Training Equipment for Kids Youth Adults
- 【Football Training Equipment Set】 Includes 1 yellow speed training ladder with 4 steel spikes (20 feet long, 12 rungs), 12 football cones, 1 running resistance umbrella, 1 jump rope, 1 carry bag. It can meet your training requirements and make your life healthier
- 【Speed Agility Ladder】Speed Agility Ladder comes with 12 cones for marking training areas, warm-up drills, shuttles and pirouettes.4 steel pegs securely fasten the speed agility ladder to the ground so you can start training quickly on the patio, in the park, or in the gym.Ideal for both beginners and professional athletes, the speed agility ladder is a must-have tool for improving speed, agility, coordination, quickness and overall athletic performance
- 【Resistance Parachute】Using the speed agility ladder together with the resistance parachute can help you increase resistance during running, enhance physical training, and increase your sprint speed very effectively. Secure, adjustable belt secures around your waist with one click. Dominate any sport or competition, whether it's soccer, tennis, American football, track and field events or others
- 【Easy to Use】Our soccer training set comes with a carry bag with sturdy carrying handles, allowing you to comfortably and easily carry the training bag to the training field, gym or any training location, you can quickly start training in the yard, park, gym, or as a home workout fitness equipment without worrying about the weather conditions
- 【100% Satisfaction】Speed Agility Training Kit is the perfect gift for your friends and family. Suitable for all ages including children, teens, athletes, coaches, sports enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts. If you have any questions about the speed ladder agility ladder set, please feel free to contact us
Bestseller No. 7
Puredrop American Football Training Equipment Aid Coach Cards Great Training Drills for Practice Exercises and Workouts at Home Activity Toys for Beginners Kids Adults and Youth Players Toss Throwing
- Great for Solo or Duo Training: 54 cards contain several American Football drills. These include warmup, ball handling, and game insight exercises. Drills for offense and defense movements.
- Become a Better American Football Player: The drills can be challenging and will help players evolve to become better. You will work on some techniques that can surprise your opponents. Do these drills at home, outdoors, in the gym, or in the office.
- Fun Workout: These drills can be repeated over and over again. They are a lot of fun to perform for beginners and kids. American Football accessories that can be used over and over again. Start your American Football journey and experience the benefits of this challenging and motivating sport.
- DEVELOPED WITH COACHES: American Football coaches have helped design these cards to ensure that the drills will help you improve. Excellent training tool. Improve accuracy, speed, and power. Improve Blocking and Tackling, Touchdown, Toss, Throwing, Catching and more
- EASY TO USE: Drawings and text help you to understand what needs to happen. This makes it easy to follow along. From playing catch to more advanced drills. Proudly printed in the USA.
Bestseller No. 8
Smasrob Football Bag for Equipment with External Ball Holder, Insulated Pocket and Fence Hooks, Football Backpack for Youth and Adult, Black
- MATERIAL: Made of 900D Nylon to resist tearing and ripping. The padded shoulder straps and padded back paneling make it comfortable to wear.
- EXTERIOR POCKETS: The front part with an external expandable ball holder which fits football (size 9). 1 insulated pocket for wet stuff or cold drinks, 1 zipped pocket for phone and 1 mesh pouch for water bottle.
- MAIN COMPARTMENT: The spacious compartment can hold a set of shoulder pads and helmet (wrap the helmet in shoulder pads), 2 mesh pockets for gloves and so on. The bottom separated shoe compartment with vented holes and the top zipped pocket for cheats, clothes and other equipment.
- OTHER DETAILS: There is a luggage strap for convenience and 2 fence hooks which are helpful to keep the bag off the dusty field.
- DIMENSIONS: 23.5” x 12” x 10.5”. It can be also used as soccer bag, volleyball bag, basketball bag and so on.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Gearing Up Your Young Football Star
Getting your young athlete the right football gear is super important. Good equipment keeps them safe and helps them play their best. This guide will help you pick the perfect gear for your future football hero.
Key Features to Look For
When buying football gear, focus on these main features:
1. Safety Certifications
- Always check for safety labels like NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). This means the gear meets important safety rules.
2. Proper Fit
- Equipment must fit snugly but not too tight. Gear that is too big moves around and offers less protection. Gear that is too small restricts movement.
3. Adjustability
- Look for straps, buckles, and laces that adjust easily. Kids grow fast, so adjustable gear lasts longer and ensures a good fit every season.
4. Ventilation
- Good airflow keeps players cooler. Look for vents or breathable pads, especially in helmets and shoulder pads.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how strong and comfortable the equipment is.
Helmets
- Shell: Hard polycarbonate plastic protects against impact.
- Padding: High-density foam absorbs shock. Look for newer materials like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) which often offer better energy management.
Shoulder Pads
- Outer Shell: Durable plastic shields against hits.
- Inner Padding: Closed-cell foam resists sweat and moisture buildup.
Mouthguards
- Boil-and-bite types are common, but custom-fitted ones offer the best protection. They use durable, non-toxic rubber or plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all gear is made the same. These factors separate the top-tier equipment from the budget options.
Quality Boosters
- Advanced Impact Foam: Newer shock-absorbing technologies provide superior protection without adding too much weight.
- Durable Hardware: Strong metal or reinforced plastic buckles and snaps hold up through hard practices and rough play.
- Easy-Clean Liners: Removable, machine-washable liners keep the gear fresh and hygienic.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Heavy, Stiff Materials: Older, heavy padding can slow a child down and cause overheating.
- Thin, Cheap Plastic: Shells made from very thin plastic crack easily after minor impacts.
- Non-Adjustable Straps: Straps that stretch out quickly require constant replacement or adjustment.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the gear feels during play dictates whether your child will actually wear it correctly.
Comfort and Mobility
Lightweight designs are crucial for younger players. Heavy gear tires them out quickly. Ensure shoulder pads allow full range of motion for throwing and catching. A comfortable helmet encourages players to keep it on during drills.
Use Cases: Practice vs. Game Day
- Practice Gear: Often lighter padding is fine for non-contact drills. Focus on breathability and comfort for long sessions.
- Game Day Gear: Full protection is necessary. Ensure helmets and pads are the highest quality you can afford for maximum impact absorption during real games.
Remember, well-fitting gear reduces the chance of injury and increases a young player’s confidence on the field.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Youth Football Equipment
Q: How often should I replace my child’s helmet?
A: You must replace a helmet immediately if it sustains a major impact or shows any cracks. Also, replace it every 3 to 5 years because the interior padding compresses and loses its protective ability over time.
Q: Can I buy used helmets?
A: It is strongly recommended that you buy new helmets. The internal padding degrades with age and use, even if you cannot see damage. Safety is not worth the risk.
Q: How tight should shoulder pads fit?
A: Shoulder pads should sit flat on the shoulders without gaps. The bottom edge should rest about 1 to 2 inches below the front of the shoulder. The straps should hold the pad firmly against the body.
Q: What is the most important piece of protective gear?
A: Most experts agree the helmet is the most critical piece because it protects the head. Following closely are mouthguards and proper fitting shoulder pads.
Q: Do youth mouthguards need to be different from adult ones?
A: Yes, youth mouthguards are often smaller and designed for smaller dental arches. Always choose a size appropriate for your child’s age group.
Q: How do I clean football gear?
A: Always wipe down hard surfaces like shells with mild soap and water. For internal padding, use a spray disinfectant made for sports gear. Air dry everything thoroughly after use.
Q: When should my child start wearing a cup or athletic supporter?
A: All male players should wear an athletic supporter and cup starting from their very first practice or game for essential groin protection.
Q: How do I check if the jersey size is correct over pads?
A: Have your child put on all their pads first. Then, pull the jersey over the pads. It should fit without being overly tight or pulling awkwardly at the seams.
Q: Are there special requirements for gloves at different positions?
A: Yes. Receivers need gloves with very sticky palms for catching. Linemen often use lighter gloves or none at all for better hand feel when blocking.
Q: What is the best way to store football equipment?
A: Store gear in a cool, dry place, ideally not in a closed plastic bag. This prevents mold and mildew growth on the internal padding.