SOCCER EQUIPMENT. SHINGUARS

THE EQUIPMENT FOR SOCCER REQUIRED BY THE FIFA IS:

- a jersey or shirt
- shorts
- stockings
- shinguards
- footwear

Most youth recreational soccer leagues will provide everything but the shinguards and the footwear.

Shinguards

According to FIFA, shinguards should be "made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substance), and provide a reasonable degree of protection. This leaves a lot of wiggle room!

This one piece of equipment for soccer could determine the well-being & safety of your child!
Soccer Shinguards - Are ALL Created Equal? No. No way. Forget about it. Not even close.

What kind of shinguards should I buy?

Here are some pointers based on my experience.

The basic, cheap shinguards with one velcro strap provide basic protection but are not great. I will say that they are adequate under many circumstances. (but I don't buy them anymore) Here is an example of one:



Do you want just adequate? After buying my oldest son better shinguards, I will never buy the cheap ones again. He has seen a tremendous difference and I spent a whole whopping $4 or so more. Here is a picture of them.



There are two major improvements on these shinguards versus the cheap ones.

First, the shinguards attach with 2 wide straps, not just one. When he puts it on, the shinguard stays.

Second, these shinguards come with ankleguards or protectors. Look at the picture.

In the younger ages the kids scuffle all the time so I highly recommend soccer shinguards that also supply ankle protection or buy the ankleguards separately.