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Football Equipment List

two youth football players practicing with all their football gear on

Whether it's your first football season or your player needs an upgrade to their protective gear, knowing what football gear to buy is easy with help from our Football Experts. There's plenty of essential football gear needed to keep players protected on the field, and our checklist covers them all!

Expert Tip | If you're planning on using protective gear from the previous season, be sure to complete a proper inspection and ensure a comfortable fit well before the season starts just in case you'll need to replace that item.

Our Football Experts break down many of these items even more so you're able to find the perfect fit for the best performance throughout the season.

Football helmets are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for football players. They provide crucial protection to the player's head and brain in order to prevent concussions, which is why it's important to invest in a helmet that fits well and meets safety standards. Football helmets come in different sizes, styles, and levels of padding to provide optimum protection to players of all ages and skill levels so be sure to check your league’s rules and regulations before purchasing. For additional help on how to buy the right helmet for your player, check out our Football Helmet Buying Guide.

When it comes to football cleats, you'll want to look for ones that provide the right amount of traction and support depending on your player's position—for instance, linemen and receivers need different levels of ankle support and mobility. When choosing a pair of football cleats that fits your player’s needs it’s important to look at key features like the upper’s height and fit. 

Featured Expert Advice:

Football gloves come in a variety of materials, designs, and styles. They're designed to help players grip the ball, protect their hands from impacts and abrasions, and keep their hands warm in cold weather. When choosing football gloves, it's important to consider the fit, style, and grip. They should fit snugly without being too tight or restrictive.

Take It from Our Experts | Best Football Gloves >

Football shoulder pads are essential for protecting players from serious injuries such as clavicle fractures, shoulder dislocations, and more. When purchasing football shoulder pads, it's important to get the right size and style for your player's position as each position needs different levels of protection and mobility.

Your player will wear a football mouthguard during practice and in games to protect the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from impact. Be sure to find specific mouthguards if your player has braces.

football chin strap holds the helmet securely in place and is a crucial part of a player’s protective gear. The chin strap needs to fit comfortably and not be too loose or tight to ensure maximum protection and comfort. Some chin straps come with added features such as extra padding or a hard cup for added protection.

Football helmet visors are a great way to protect a player's eyes from harmful UV rays, glare, and debris. They come in many different styles, tints, and sizes, and fit onto the helmet's facemask. Some visors have anti-fog or scratch-resistant coatings and others come with a reflective mirror finish.

When it comes to football girdles and pants, the right fit is key for maximum comfort and protection. Different positions may require different styles of pants, and girdles can add additional padding for players who need it. Look for pants that are durable and moisture-wicking, and girdles that provide adequate protection without being too bulky.

Football backplates and rib protectors are designed to protect the lower back and ribs from impacts and collisions on the field. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to fit different players' needs. Look for a backplate or rib protector that fits snugly and doesn't restrict movement, and provides adequate cushioning to absorb impacts.

It’s a good idea to have a football in your equipment bag too. This is great for warming up before practice with a friend. Before purchasing a football, it is important to consider the size and weight of the ball - different sizes and weights are recommended for different age groups. 

Having the right gear can make all the difference in a football player's safety and performance on the field. This football checklist covers a variety of items, including helmets, cleats, gloves, shoulder pads, and more. By investing in quality gear that fits well and meets safety standards, players can feel confident and protected as they take to the field. If you have any questions about the selection of football equipment available near you, please contact your local SCHEELS!