What Should I Wear for Soccer Camp?

Soccer camp is an exciting time in a youth's life. The love of soccer is shared by others in an area where soccer play, talk, questions and performance are encouraged. When a player decides to attend soccer camp, the packing becomes a question. Many coaches will provide team members with a list of what to bring, but if that doesn't happen, try to pack so your soccer player is prepared for every possible situation.

  1. Soccer Shin Guards

    • The shin guards are essential for soccer camp. When another person is kicking at the ball, they are using kinetic energy, which is not easily slowed down or stopped. If the ball is missed, the person standing near the ball will take the full force of the kinetic energy to the shin. The result for the unguarded shin is bruising, bone chipping and possible bone breakage. Many soccer camps and organizations will not allow players on the field without shin guards.

    Soccer Footwear

    • Cleated shoes are worn for soccer games. The cleats on the bottom of the shoes help ground a player while kicking by digging the non-kicking foot into the ground. Other types of shoes slip in the grass and do not allow for quick stops or turns on the field. While soccer players are allowed to play with other types of shoes, soccer performance is improved with a cleated shoe.

    Soccer Clothing

    • Soccer clothing includes a T-shirt and shorts. If shirt sleeves are desired, a tight fitting long sleeve T-shirt is worn under the team shirt. The clothing is loose to allow for freedom of movement. The shin guards are worn under knee high soccer socks to hold the guards in place. The only soccer player who wears anything on the hands is the goalie, who wears gripping gloves for protecting the hands and grabbing the ball.

    Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

    • Protecting the exposed skin is important, and as soccer is played in grassy fields, insect bites are a concern. Wear sunscreen on the face, neck, hands and arms to protect against the sun. Wear insect repellent to protect against insect bites. While it may seem unreasonable that a bug would bite while you are playing, remember the bench times, when you are waiting to get into the game or halftime, when everyone is breaking from the game.

    Additional Needs

    • Additional needs vary by camp. Swimsuits, indoor shoes, towels, jeans, sweaters and jackets are all possible items needed at soccer camp. If the camp has indoor facilities and activities, the floors will be scratched and ruined by the cleats. Therefore, indoor shoes are necessary. A camp which provides swimming or an overnight program will demand swimsuits and warmer clothing for late night campfires or events.