First soccer practice checklist
Your child needs cleats, shin guards, tall socks, athletic shorts, a labeled water bottle, and an age-appropriate soccer ball (size 3 for U8 and under, size 4 for U9-U12, size 5 for U13 and older) for their first youth soccer practice.
Player checklist
- Cleats (molded FG for grass, turf shoes for turf)
- Shin guards
- Tall socks that cover the shin guards
- Athletic shorts and a t-shirt (team jersey if given)
- Labeled water bottle
- Size 3 ball (U8-), size 4 (U9-U12), or size 5 (U13+)
- Hair tied back if long
- No jewelry, no gum, no cell phone
Parent checklist
- Signed medical release / league forms
- Emergency contact card
- Extra water and a small snack (banana, granola bar)
- Sunscreen (spring/summer), warm layer (fall)
- Folding chair or blanket
- Cash for post-practice ice cream tradition
What to do before you arrive
- Break in cleats with 20 minutes of walking at home the day before.
- Practice putting shin guards on with the child.
- Show the child where the field is and who the coach is.
- Feed a small meal 90 minutes before practice - not right before.
The one rule for parents on day one
Let the coach coach. Cheer good effort from anyone. Don't call out instructions from the sideline - it confuses kids and undercuts the coach. Ask your child one question after: "What was the most fun part today?"
Frequently asked questions
What does my child need for their first soccer practice?+
Cleats, shin guards, socks that cover the shin guards, athletic shorts, a t-shirt, a labeled water bottle, and their own size-appropriate soccer ball (size 3 for U8 and under, size 4 for U9-U12, size 5 for U13+).
Do you need shin guards for youth soccer?+
Yes. Shin guards are required by every US Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, and Canada Soccer sanctioned league at every age. Socks must fully cover the shin guards.
What size soccer ball for a 5 year old?+
A size 3 soccer ball for players U8 and younger. Size 3 balls are lighter and smaller so young players can control and strike them properly.
Should kids wear cleats or sneakers to soccer?+
Molded (firm-ground, FG) cleats for grass fields, turf shoes for artificial turf. Sneakers are fine for the very first practice if cleats aren't in yet, but avoid metal studs at any youth age.
What should a parent bring to soccer practice?+
Extra water, a small snack, sunscreen, bug spray in summer, a folding chair, and layered clothing. Skip coaching from the sideline - let the coach coach.
How early should we arrive at practice?+
Ten minutes early. This gives time to lace cleats, use the restroom, meet the coach, and start warm-ups on time.