Field and indoor shoes, shin guards, uniform

What to buy for a child to start football⚽

Shoes for artificial turf and indoor hall, shin guards, kit — simple and practical.
Good news: you only need the basics at the start. The rest can be bought later once the child gets into it.

Shoes

Shin guards

Starter checklist

1) The most important thing: proper shoes

If you’re not sure — choose TF (turf shoes). It’s the safest starting option for artificial surfaces ✅

For artificial turf:

TF / Turf — the most universal choice

TF / Turf — best all-round option for kids.
AG (Artificial Grass) may be acceptable if the coach allows it.

Better to avoid:

SG (for natural grass) — can be dangerous on artificial turf and increases injury risk.
“Buying bigger to grow into” — less stability, more ankle twists.

How to know the shoes fit:

Toe is not pressed, but not loose — about 0.5–1 cm extra space.
Heel is snug — the foot doesn’t slide inside.
Child feels comfortable running and changing direction.

For indoor hall (futsal): you need IN shoes with a flat light non-marking sole.

IN / indoor — non-marking sole

Better grip and doesn’t leave marks on the floor.
Not suitable: running shoes (slippery), football studs (not allowed indoors).
Great if: lightweight, good foot support, not too stiff (better ball feel).

2) Shin guards

In many groups shin guards are required, especially when games and contact begin.

Shin guards + football socks (classic)

Shin guards with sleeves/holders

Cover the front of the shin properly.
Do not slide down while running.
Comfortable — no pain or rubbing.

You can come to the first training without shin guards if the coach didn’t ask in advance — but it’s best to confirm with the coach.

3) Kit & clothing

At the start, you only need: a T-shirt/jacket for the weather, sports shorts/pants, and football socks (especially if using shin guards).

For outdoor sessions: base layer/top, windbreaker; hat/gloves in cold weather. Important: the child should not get cold during breaks.

After training: a dry hoodie/jacket and a small towel are very useful.

4) Other useful items

Water bottle
Small backpack/bag
Spare socks (sometimes a lifesaver)
Small band-aid (just in case)

5) Smart buying rules (don’t overbuy)

Don’t buy everything at once. After 2–3 sessions you’ll see what you really need.
Don’t buy “to grow into”. It’s the #1 reason for falls and injuries.
Comfort matters more than price. Kids grow fast — shoes and kit change often.