Equipment is Different in Soccer and Football
This blog ponders the difference between the equipment used in soccer and American football. There is a stronger focus on what soccer players need. Soccer is about running the field. Players don’t collide intentionally, so they wear less safety equipment. American football players, on the other hand, crash on purpose. This requires helmets, shoulder pads, and other gear. Here is the equipment in soccer:
Cleats: These
are special shoes for soccer. They increase traction by putting little spikes
under the foot. It’s good for both sports, but especially for soccer. Football
shoes are different.
Shin Guards: Protect the player’s shin. In football, the whole body is
attacked on purpose. In soccer, sometimes the shins get kicked by mistake.
Doing it on purpose is illegal in the game.
Soccer balls: Yes, the ball. It’s perhaps the most pivotal item, second
only to the soccer goals. The ball should be high quality. Size three for
babies and tikes; size four for kids 6-10; size five (standard) from there.
Check with your coach and league for requirements.
You can also consider the size and
strength of the youth player. A really big and well-trained 9-year-old might
prefer the size five ball. It won’t be bad for a smaller pre-teen to start off
with a four if it’s more comfortable. Although you might be able to use a small
soccer ball as a football, it would not work the other way around. Uniform: This is important. You have to play
the part. League requirements might include a number and the player’s name on
the back or front of the jersey. Check with the coach to be sure.
Goalkeeper Gloves: Even if you just do goalie for fun, bring your goalie gloves
on game day. You never know when the coach is going to need a new goalie on the
fly. It could be you. Don’t get passed over because you forgot to bring your
gloves! Finding the right size is easy. They should fit… like a glove.
We have a favorite place for soccer
equipment: www.fold-a-goal.com. The customer service is awesome,
and they’re from right here in Los Angeles (Southern California). American Football equipment is a whole
different game. Contact a professional to talk about those. Some of the equipment,
like field marking paint, is the same. You might still try Fold-A-Goal for some
items! They say you miss 100% of the
shots you don’t take. That’s true. Don’t miss this one.
Comments
Post a Comment