| New soccer moms often comment that one of the | | | | are helpful to players when the summer months are |
| best things about the game is the lack of equipment | | | | long gone. Even if the player will be wearing their team |
| they have to buy to outfit their kids. No shoulder pads, | | | | uniform on the field, a warm up suit before and after |
| knee braces, helmets and mouth guards like football, | | | | the game offers comfort and protection. Muscles are |
| and not even a glove or bat like baseball are required | | | | less prone to injury when they are warm and loose. A |
| to play this popular playground and park sport. While | | | | nylon warm-up suit with pants with flared legs that can |
| the low equipment costs is one of the benefits to | | | | be used with cleats and shoes will help keep muscles |
| organized soccer, there are some things parents will | | | | warm and soft until play gets started. Some players |
| need to purchase for the safety of their child as they | | | | who sit on the bench wear the warm up jacket, if |
| play this internationally famous game. | | | | approved by the league, in order to stay warm while |
| Guard the shins | | | | they are awaiting their turn. |
| A requirement for almost every league is shin guards. | | | | Watch those hands |
| These come in a variety of styles and are essential to | | | | For most soccer players hands are a non-issue as it's |
| protect the shins of players from errant balls or a kick | | | | the only part of the body that is not supposed to |
| that isn't meant to connect with them, but somehow | | | | come into contact with the ball. However for goalies |
| does. A good shin guard protects the player from | | | | hands must be protected just as well as the net. |
| below the knee to the ankle and has a detachable | | | | Gloves for goalies are an important piece of safety |
| ankle protection plate. It should be made of a flexible | | | | equipment. When you consider the speed at which a |
| plastic outer covering and have a soft lining for | | | | kicked leather ball comes flying toward the goal, it's |
| comfort. An uncomfortable shin guard often finds itself | | | | easy to see why some padding between the bare |
| sitting the back of the van at game time. The kind of | | | | hand and ball is necessary. Good gloves are usually |
| guard with adjustable straps is also wise to buy young | | | | insolated rough leather on the outside and have strong |
| players because it can accommodate changes in | | | | padding in the palm and each finger. Another important |
| muscle and size as growing girls and boys change | | | | feature is the wrist band so they don't go flying off the |
| size frequently. For the protection of your child's legs | | | | hands at the first impact. As your child becomes an |
| and ankles, investing in a quality pair of shin guards is a | | | | accomplished goalie, he or she will learn the best ways |
| must. | | | | to use their hands for both safety and skill. Until then a |
| Warm those muscles | | | | pair of good goalie gloves are a must. |
| Another vantage soccer has over other sports is its | | | | Investing the time, energy and expertise in placing your |
| ability to be played all year long. In places with mild | | | | child in a sport is a worthwhile pursuit that will give your |
| winters, fall soccer leagues run into December, and | | | | whole family plenty of memories and esteem. Make |
| spring leagues can start as early as February. Just | | | | sure that investment pays off with a good experience |
| because it's warm enough to play, doesn't mean its | | | | by using the proper apparel to ensure safety and |
| warm enough to be outside in shorts. Warm up suits | | | | development. |