Equipment and Field Considerations for Youth Recreational Soccer Coaching

How to decide what equipment actually matters, what is helpful but optional, and what is usually not worth worrying about at the recreational level.

The beauty of soccer is that you really only need a ball and some grass to truly play. That said, there are tools that help — and a few that you will realistically need.

Equipment

Highly recommended

Two good game balls – Good-quality balls of the appropriate size, used during home games. The home coach often provides the game balls.
Ball pump
Pinnies – Only one color is needed. Used during scrimmages and helpful if the goalie needs a clearly colored jersey
Cones – Disc cones that are easy to see (yellow, orange, etc.). Helpful for drills and for marking boundaries.
Simple first aid kit – Instant Ice pack, bandaids, tissues.

Nice to Have

Practice balls – Kids will forget their ball.
Soccer ball bag
Pop-up goals (2) – PUGG is a specific brand — more expensive, but durable and likely to last for many seasons.
Foldable wagon – If you have a lot of equipment, this can be a lifesaver.
White board – Simple, with an outline of a soccer field and movable magnets. Worthwhile for the moments when you need it.
Extra 1-gallon water jug – Surprisingly, kids will arrive at practice in 100°F heat without water.
A watch or timer – For most people, this is simply a cell phone.

Other equipment

Rebounders – Great for individual players if the product is high quality, sturdy, and the player is committed to using it at home. For use during practice at the recreational level, they are usually not worth it. The original rebounder is a wall — and those are everywhere.
Agility ladders – Generally not useful at the recreational level. Easy to purchase if, for some reason, your team wants to use one, but they rarely add meaningful value.
Passing gates – Excessive, cones work just fine for starting out.
Speed poles – Excessive, not necessary for starting out
GPS trackers – Overkill.
Whistle – Personal choice.
Spare goalie jersey – Optional; a pinnie works fine.
Clipboard – Useful if you like paper.
Large, full-sized pop-up goal – Expensive, but does offer freedom from relying on the single goal you are allotted.
Shade structure – Optional; if your field has shade, you may not need one.

Soccer field considerations

Often, you will be assigned a field. Still, assess the field for appropriateness. Most fields are fine, but some are so inappropriate that you may want to ask your league if you can move fields.

Consider a field move for:

Long grass – ball moves noticeably slower
Uneven surface – risk of injury, and unpredictable ball bounce
Hazards – risk of injury (example: sprinkler holes)

Fields are typically managed by the city, and some fields are only mowed to a certain length. If the grass will not be mowed to an inch and a half or shorter, consider moving fields. Walk the field and kick a ball. If it feels like kicking through molasses, it’s time to address moving.

Uneven ground causes unpredictable bouncing of the ball, and both that and sprinkler dips or holes make sprained ankles more likely.

The above photos show a field that will make practice more difficult, and slow the ball considerable. The photos were taken *after* mowing, so that is the best it will get. A move should be requested in this case.

You don’t need a perfect field — but you do need a field you don’t have to fight.