Soccer Gift Ideas for Kids

Soccer has experienced a period of phenomenal growth, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation. Children can participate at a variety of levels, including recreational soccer and competitive soccer leagues, making soccer accessible for children of all ages and skill levels. For kids who sleep in their uniforms and dream of playing professional soccer, gifts based on their beloved sport are a great idea and appropriate for any occasion.

  1. Equipment

    • Because children can grow out of clothing and shoes quickly, replacements are always needed. For simple gift ideas, consider purchasing athletic shorts, T-shirts and soccer cleats. Among clothing options, also consider cold weather warm-up gear, windbreakers and thermals to wear underneath uniforms on chilly days. For goalies, a new pair of goalie gloves may be appropriate. Gifts can be packaged inside a new travel bag or shoe bag for an additional gift idea. Soccer balls and shin-guards are among other recommendations for children needing new or replacement equipment.

    Skill Building

    • Progression in soccer will result from continued training and practice. Though children will receive organized training during soccer season from practices and games, additional training is necessary to build advanced skills and become competitive in the sport. Consider sending children to a local soccer camp or clinic for a gift. Local soccer camps and clinics can be found with local soccer organizations and colleges. Pop-up goals make a great gift for children who like to work on their shot at home. Popular soccer players, such as Diego Maradona, are the focus of many training videos and books to help players develop skills. These videos and books can be given as gifts by themselves or included along with gifts for soccer camps and clinics.

    Fun Ideas

    • For younger children, fun soccer gift ideas can spark their interest. Consider giving your youngster a jersey representing his favorite team or player. Personalized jerseys are even available from retailers nationwide. For an up-close look at professional soccer, kids will enjoy a visit to a Major League Soccer game or any of the U.S. National Team events. Those who arrive early may even have the chance to get autographs from some of the players. Buy a program, poster or book for players to autograph that will serve as a memento from the day.