Football Gear Guide
Football gear can get expensive fast if you don't know what you actually need. This guide covers what the club typically provides, what you're responsible for, and shopping lists at three budget levels.
What the Club Typically Provides
This varies by level and organization, but here's what you can generally expect:
| Item | Flag (Youth) | Tackle (Youth / Pop Warner) | Middle School | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game jersey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Practice jersey | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Helmet | N/A | Often (loaner) | Yes (school-issued) | Yes (school-issued) |
| Shoulder pads | N/A | Sometimes | Yes (school-issued) | Yes (school-issued) |
| Game pants | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Flag belt | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Practice football | Yes (team use) | Yes (team use) | Yes | Yes |
Always ask the coach. Before buying anything, ask what the team provides. Many parents overbuy because they didn't check first. Get the list from the coach, then fill in the gaps.
What You Need to Provide
Flag Football
- Cleats or athletic shoes (molded cleats or turf shoes)
- Mouthguard (required in most leagues)
- Athletic shorts (no pockets — flags must hang free)
- Water bottle
Tackle Football
- Mouthguard (required at all levels)
- Cleats (molded for youth — no metal)
- Athletic supporter / cup
- Compression shirt and shorts (for under pads)
- Thigh pads, knee pads, hip pads (check if included with pants)
- Practice pants (if not provided)
- Equipment bag (big enough for helmet + pads)
- Water bottle
Suggested Gear (Nice to Have)
Football (for home practice) Youth size for ages 6–9, junior/intermediate for 10–12, official size for 14+. Having one at home is essential for practice.
Receiver Gloves Helpful for catching, not required. Grip gloves make a real difference in cold or wet weather. Don't spend a lot — they wear out fast.
Cones (4–6) For driveway drills, agility work, and backyard training. A set of 12 is usually under $10.
Extra Mouthguard They get lost. Buy two. A boil-and-bite mouthguard is fine for most kids. Custom-fit from a dentist for serious players.
Shopping Lists by Budget
💚 Budget-Friendly (Under $75)
The essentials only. Focus on safety items and let the club handle the rest.
| Item | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boil-and-bite mouthguard (2-pack) | $8–12 | Shock Doctor or SISU brand |
| Molded cleats | $20–35 | Check secondhand stores — cleats get outgrown fast |
| Athletic cup + supporter | $8–12 | Required for tackle |
| Water bottle | $5–8 | 32 oz minimum |
| Youth football (practice) | $10–15 | Wilson or Franklin youth size |
| Cones (12-pack) | $6–8 | For home drills |
Total: ~$57–90
🟡 Mid-Range (Under $175)
Better quality items that last longer. Good balance of value and performance.
| Item | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quality mouthguard | $15–25 | SISU Aero or Shock Doctor Gel Max |
| Mid-range cleats | $40–60 | Under Armour, adidas, or Nike youth |
| Athletic cup + compression shorts | $15–20 | Integrated compression shorts with cup pocket |
| Compression base layer (top + bottom) | $20–30 | Under Armour or generic — comfort under pads |
| Receiver gloves | $20–30 | Cutters or Under Armour |
| Equipment bag | $20–25 | Large duffel, mesh preferred for ventilation |
| Youth football | $15–20 | Wilson GST or similar |
| Cones + agility ladder | $12–18 | Combo packs available |
Total: ~$157–228
💜 Premium (Under $400)
Top-quality gear for serious players. Invest in items that impact safety and performance.
| Item | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom-fit mouthguard | $30–50 | SISU Max or dentist-fitted |
| Premium cleats | $60–100 | Nike Vapor Edge, Under Armour Spotlight |
| Premium compression gear | $30–45 | Under Armour HeatGear or Nike Pro |
| Top-tier receiver gloves | $35–50 | Nike Vapor Jet or Cutters Rev Pro |
| Quality equipment bag | $30–45 | Nike, Under Armour, or dedicated football bag |
| Game-quality football | $25–40 | Wilson GST Composite or similar |
| Visor (if league allows) | $15–25 | Clear or lightly tinted — check league rules |
| Training equipment kit | $25–40 | Cones, ladder, resistance bands, speed parachute |
Total: ~$250–395
Dad Pro Tips
- Helmet fit is the most important thing. Get it fitted at a sporting goods store if you can. It should not wobble, slide, or sit too high. If the team provides helmets, make sure it's fitted properly — don't just accept whatever they hand you.
- Buy used everything except the helmet. Shoulder pads, cleats, and pants are all great used buys. Helmets should be NOCSAE certified and not expired.
- Tape a gear list inside the bag. Kids forget things. A checklist taped inside the bag solves this.
- Label everything. Sharpie on the inside of the helmet, pads, bag — all of it. Gear rooms are chaos.
- Cleats get outgrown fast. Don't spend $100 on cleats that fit for 4 months. Check secondhand stores, Facebook Marketplace, and end-of-season clearance sales.
- Wash the gear. Football pads smell terrible. Wipe the helmet interior with disinfectant wipes after every use. Machine-wash practice jerseys and compression gear regularly. Air out pads — don't leave them sealed in the bag.
Need a printable version of the equipment checklist? Grab the printable here — includes space to write in brands, sizes, and check off items as you buy them.