Well, this is a game with a ball, what ball should you get? Well, I recommend one that is above the $25 mark. If you get one less than that for a 3 year old of course that’s fine. But for the ball to last just spend the money! And did you know that that Dick’s Sporting Goods has a great insurance plan on that ball. Dick’s Protection Plan For $4 they will replace it! Much like their tarps that can be replaced too if you purchase the insurance.
Disclosure; I am not a Physican, this is not medical advice, just a mom who has researched youth soccer.
In what I have read it is recommended for young soccer players to wear turf cleats during practice; ground or turf field – granted if you are in a state other than AZ where they allow kids on muddy fields cleats may need to be the choice. The reason being the impact the high impact running has on their developing joints. Footwear recommendations . This site also gives a detailed outline of which aspects of a soccer shoe are or are not important ; Parts of the Soccer Cleat.
I have one son that loves his Nike Mercuial that pulls on and covers his ankle. These are the shoes that fit his feet the best. His feet are wide at the toe and pad and then skinny at the ankle, with a small arch. After the first week of breaking them in they go on and off quickly.
Our other 3 sons love the Adidas Predator. He has a more streamlined foot and averaged size arch. I do need to mention he also is the son who has experienced Sever’s . I cannot recommend Mikki Device enough! His pain has drastically changed. Thankfully the lab has now created an option where you do not HAVE to go to a Podiatrist, you can order the device. These are custom made and game changers. Again in no way am I providing medical advice – personal experience – yes we went to the Podiatrist who helped invent these – and yes our insurance covered some of the cost. I wanted you to be aware of this option for your player in case you do not have as many medical providers available to you as we do in a 5 million pop. city.
Our daughter’s foot fit best in Pumas. When they are really young like 3-7 and if you are playing rec. I know the clubs say to get them cleats – but this is not a good idea. If you cannot find or afford a turf shoe in their size tennis shoes are best. They will run better and not risk an ankle sprain or some other injury due to their coordination at this age. Your child will not get in trouble for wearing tennis shoes, other parents will say – oh I should have done that. The shoe manufacturers make $20 cleats for this season, while cute, not truly beneficial for the players and more harmful. There is a reason the little size 8 or 9 is hard to find even if you want to spend the money as the focus at this age is getting them to run the right direction and connect with the ball.
One could just bring a blanket to sit on or a simple fold up chair. But for those who may be as crazy as us with 4 in Club and 1 in Rec we practically camp at a soccer field – well who am I kidding multiple locations why would they be at the same location? 🤣 So if you are traveling with a whole clan like us – here is what you need:
Costco Tent or an Umbrella With Stand as some fields do not allow staking.
Kid chairs from Walmart work well for me
Zip open cooler bag – not the cooler backpacks unless just for drinks as everything gets buried down. Here is a highly rated; Cooler Bag
Entertainment for younger siblings – change it up:
If you have a baby or young toddler the California Pop N Go is a must! Saved us so much sanity at the fields and we could watch most of the game!