How to Buy Youth Soccer Goalkeeper's Gear

Youth soccer goalkeepers wear the same shoes, socks and shin guards as field players, but they need other special gear.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the clothing of choice complies with team and league rules.

    • 2

      Find a goalkeeper's shirt. Rules require that goalkeepers wear a different color top from all field players to differentiate themselves.

    • 3

      Share a shirt. These shirts, usually long-sleeved, are expensive. Some teams choose to share them, as players in the early years rotate through soccer's other positions.

    • 4

      Purchase padded goalkeeper clothing. The harder the surface, the more padding a young goalkeeper should wear.

    • 5

      Check out specialty goalkeeping shorts. These have a longer inseam for protection from abrasions. They may also be padded on the hips.

    • 6

      Invest in goalkeeper's long pants, available with or without padding.

    • 7

      Layer up. Goalkeepers move around less than field players and need extra layers to stay warm.

    • 8

      Get the proper gloves. Beginning players often share a pair with teammates, but if you purchase them, lower-end gloves are fine for younger children (until age 11 or 12). Older players should get gloves with thicker palms for added grip and protection.