The best Christmas gifts for young soccer players

EQUIPMENT: A ball

We know this is a simple suggestion – but what soccer player couldn’t use another ball?

You will also often find that your players have a lot of balls at home, but they are all size fives.

Let parents and carers know the correct size for their child to practise with, so they can buy one that matches.

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• Budget
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EQUIPMENT: Kit

If a player supports a particular team, the latest shirt, or uniform, could be an option.

There are a number of companies now offering mystery kits – put in a few requirements and get a surprise shirt sent your way. It could be a great way for a young player to learn about another club.

Players may also need some general kit for training – shorts, shirts or socks. Socks, in particular, get worn through pretty quickly, and always make a good stocking filler. Grip socks have also gained popularity recently among soccer players.

If your club sells kit to raise funds, it could be a good time to push this with parents.

Christmas is also a good time to check on how boots and shinpads are doing, and if new ones are needed.

EXPERIENCE: Match tickets

Often, when we think about match tickets, we think about going big – like seeing the nearest top-level team, or watching the next big international game in town.

This is one option, but so is getting tickets for the local lower-league or amateur team.

Going to see a lower-level team is often a great day out, with fans able to get a more involved experience.

EXPERIENCE: Soccer experiences

Soccer museums, stadium tours, vintage shirt stores, orb soccer, life-size table soccer – there are so many different soccer experiences out there.

A fun day out experiencing soccer in a different way can be a great gift.

ACTIVITY: Sticker or card books

You’re never too old for a sticker book or card book! Various leagues and competitions have their own sticker or card books.

Collecting stickers or cards is a fun thing for players to do, and helps them to learn more about the game and the players playing it. One warning – they are often not cheap, and there are usually a lot to collect.

ACTIVITY: Soccer games

It could be a console game, an online game, a board game – and not only are they fun, but they help teach players about the game.

The EA Sports FC game (previously known as Fifa) is renowned for helping players to learn systems, tactics and principles of play. The PC game Football Manager does a similar thing. 

Football building blocks are also growing in popularity.