Equipment

Because the mid-sole material of an athletic shoe takes a pounding and eventually loses its ability to provide your child's foot with adequate support or cushioning, experts, such as Dr. Michael Lowe, past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and long time team podiatrist of the NBA's Utah Jazz, recommend periodic replacement of athletic shoes, even if the bottom sole shows no sign of excessive wear.

One of the great things about youth soccer is that it isn't an expensive sport. Here what your child will need...

Soccer Cleats are specifically designed for use on a soccer field and can be changed depending on conditions. Cleat types include molded cleats, detachable cleats, indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes:

Cindy Trames, Director of US footwear for Nike, says that replacing shoes and deciding whether they can be handed down to another child, depends on the child's growth rate and the amount of shoe wear.

Goalie gloves are only worn by the goalie and have feather sticky synthetic palms which aid in the catching or deflecting of a soccer ball.

Shin guards are mandatory for children playing organized soccer and provide important protection against injury.