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