The start of youth football season is exciting — new teammates, game-day energy, and plenty of practices ahead. While leagues usually provide key safety gear like helmets and shoulder pads, parents are still responsible for making sure their child has the right personal youth football equipment for comfort, performance, and protection.
This guide covers the essentials you’ll want to buy before kickoff, plus a few extras that make practices run smoother.
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1. Cleats
Football cleats provide crucial traction on grass or turf, allowing your child to run, cut, and change direction quickly without slipping. It’s important to choose cleats specifically designed for football, as these offer the right stud configuration and ankle support to prevent injuries.
Make sure your child tries them on with the socks they’ll wear during games, as fit can vary. Properly fitting cleats also help avoid blisters and discomfort during long practices and games.
2. Practice Jersey and Pants
While game-day uniforms are usually provided by the league, practice gear is something you’ll want to invest in. Durable practice jerseys and pants can withstand the rigors of daily training and repeated washing. Look for pants with integrated padding in the hips, thighs, and knees to protect against impacts during drills.
A lightweight, breathable practice jersey will help keep your child cool and comfortable during high-energy sessions.
3. Football Gloves
Gloves can make a big difference for skill-position players, such as receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks. They improve grip on the ball, especially in wet or cold conditions, which boosts confidence and performance.
Gloves also protect little hands from turf burns and scrapes during tackles and falls. Choose youth sizes that fit snugly but allow flexibility for catching and handling the ball. Here’s a great American-styled pair from Amazon (paid ad).
4. Mouthguard
Even if the league provides a standard mouthguard, investing in a high-quality one is wise. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be molded at home for a better fit, while custom-fit options offer the best protection and comfort.
A properly fitted mouthguard cushions blows to the face and reduces the risk of dental injuries and concussions. Always have a spare mouthguard on hand, as these can easily get lost or damaged during play. They should be the most used piece of all your youth football equipment.
5. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during practices and games is essential to prevent fatigue and heat-related illnesses. A sturdy water bottle with a spill-proof cap or straw allows your child to drink quickly and easily, even while wearing gloves.
Choose a bottle that’s easy to carry and clean, and encourage your child to bring it to every practice and game. Under Armour makes a great durable water bottle (#ad) that will take some hits and keep pouring all season long.
Helpful Extra Equipment for Youth Football Practices & Games
6. Compression Wear
Compression shorts and shirts (#ads) serve several purposes. They reduce chafing by creating a smooth layer between the skin and pads, wick moisture away to keep the player dry, and help keep muscles warm and supported during activity.
Compression gear is especially helpful during colder fall days or for players who want added comfort under their equipment.
7. Eye Black
Eye black is a simple strip of grease or sticker applied under the eyes to reduce glare from the sun or bright stadium lights.
While it’s not a necessary piece of equipment, most kids love wearing it as part of their “game day” routine. It can help improve focus by cutting down on distractions from bright light, and it adds a cool factor that boosts kids’ confidence on the field.
Here’s a cheap (but handy) eye black stick (#ad) to give your kid a proper game face come gameday.
8. Small Gear Bag
A dedicated gear bag keeps all of your child’s football essentials — cleats, gloves, mouthguards, water bottles, and extra clothes — organized and easy to transport. Bags with ventilated compartments help prevent odors from sweaty equipment.
Having one bag reduces the chances of forgetting important items before practice or games and teaches kids responsibility for their gear.
Pick up this Under Armour bag (#ad) for $37.99. It comes in a bunch of different colors that your kid will love.
Final Tip for Youth Football Parents
Label everything. Every, single, piece of youth football equipment. Between practices, games, and away trips, it’s easy for items to get lost or swapped. A permanent marker or stick-on name label can save you from buying duplicates during the season.
