Soccer is played around the world and continues to be a popular sport in the U.S. for people of all ages. From recreational soccer to travel soccer to professional soccer, the goal is to play safe, stay open and score your gear with our Every Day Low Prices on everything sporty.

Soccer balls

• Sizes: Soccer ball sizes are determined by your age or by what the league you play in prefers. Ask your coach what size he or she recommends.


• Mini size one: The smallest size ball used to improve footwork, used just for fun or for budding toddler soccer players.


• Size two: This size is used for ball control drills and ideal for kids under age of 4.


• Size three: This is the smallest official ball and is ideal for kids under age of 8.


• Size four: This size is for practice balls for kids between ages 8 and 12.


• Size five: This size is the largest official size ball and is used for players over age 12.


• Materials: Casings (outer material of ball) made of PVC are harder and durable. Polyurethane casings are softer, higher quality and responsive. Synthetic leather casings are typically used for professional matches. Inner bladders are made of butyl, which has greater air retention, or latex, which is softer.

Soccer goals and nets

• For young kids: Kids around 6 and 7 years old play best with a goal that's 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.


• For older kids: Kids ages 8 and 9 play best with a goal 6 1/2 feet high and 12 feet wide to 18 1/2 feet wide.


• Teens and adults: Ages 10 to 13 play well with goals 6 1/2 feet and 8 feet tall and 18 feet to 24 feet wide. At 13, fields are now adult-level and goals are 8 feet high and 24 feet wide.


• Types: For practice, look for popup and folding goal nets to bring to various fields.


• Rope thickness: Thicknesses range from 2mm thick rope to 3mm and 3.5mm, which is the thickest, most durable.
  
• Mesh width: The tighter the net mesh, the more durable the net.

Soccer training equipment

• For referees: Specialty sports whistles offer an extra sharp tone to cut through noise on the field. Electronic and digital tabletop scoreboards are portable and clear enough for guests to see.


• Cones: Soccer cones are useful for field practice for developing footwork, dribbling and passing around obstacles.


• Rebounders: Rebounder training nets help practice shooting skills. Adjustable rebounders can shift angles for more challenging practice.


• Agility ladders: In soccer, fast as lightning footwork is key, and training ladders for the field help develop speed and agility.

Soccer apparel

• Socks: Specialty soccer socks are thicker and have more sweat-wicking technology than normal socks. Look for socks with an L and R to specifically fit the left and right foot. Those socks have strategic cushioning to keep you comfortable in cleats.


• Shin guards: Shin guards made of hard plastic or carbon fiber need to be completely covered by socks during a match. Some socks have built in shin-guards. Some players prefer to wear a sock, strap on a shin guard and cover that with another sock. For new soccer players, look for shin guards with ankle protection to prevent sprains. If you're concerned about your knees, look for shin guards with additional knee protection.


• Goalie gloves: Goalies need hand protection over all other safety measures. Look for palms with grip, cushioned backhands to protect you while punching the ball and sufficient closure so the glove won't fly off your hand. Softer and thick palms provide the best grip. But you'll also want just the right thickness palm so you can feel the ball in your hands. Also make sure your gloves are roomy; generally fingers should be 1/2 inch or so past the end of your fingertips to avoid severe blows to the hands.


• Cleats: It's best to narrow down features you want and need in soccer shoes, also called cleats. It's always best to find out from your coach what best type of cleat is preferred (for artificial turf, grass or indoor play). Soccer cleats should be snug and fit as close to the end of your foot as possible without touching the toes. Consider cleats with heel cushioning and support. Look for the vamp, the front portion of the upper part of the shoe, which is also called the strike zone. The strike zone makes contact with the ball and can affect how you control the ball when it's with you. Cleats, or blades/cones at the bottom of the shoe, help you keep traction with the ground. The studs can be fixed, molded or detached and made from plastic, rubber of metal. If you do prefer metal, you'll need to check if it's allowed on your fields or in your league. Cleats are bladed or conical (or hybrid). Bladed studs offer less pressure on your feet and offer better traction and speed. Conical studs offer better stability and quicker release from the ground, reducing the risk of injury.