Soccer is the easiest youth sport to outfit. There is almost nothing to buy. Cleats, shin guards, a ball, and a water bottle. That’s the whole list at every age.
The cost is in the league fees, the travel, and the year-round commitments. The gear is the cheapest part.
Ages 5–7 (Mini-league or U6/U8)
Most kids at this age play short-sided games (3v3 or 5v5) on small fields. The gear list is minimal.
Cleats
Plastic-stud soccer cleats are standard at every age. For a 5-to-7-year-old, look for cleats with a wide toe box (kids’ feet are still growing wide).
How to choose: thumb width gap at the toe (with the kid standing). Heel should be snug — no slipping when they walk. Avoid black-only cleats; kids this age love color and they’re more likely to wear them.
Cost range: $25–45. Don’t go higher; they will outgrow them in 4 to 6 months.
Shin guards
Required by every league at every age. Cheap shin guards work fine until age 9 or 10.
How to choose: shin guards should cover from just below the knee to just above the ankle. Slip-in style is easier; strap-on stays in place better.
Cost range: $10–20.
A size-3 ball
U6 and U8 use a size-3 ball. Smaller and lighter than the adult ball. Most leagues use them at practice, but having one at home is useful for backyard play.
How to choose: any major brand. Don’t buy a $5 ball; it will lose pressure in two weeks.
Cost range: $15–30.
Soccer socks
Long socks that go over the shin guards. Required for games. Most leagues sell team socks; some require them.
Cost range: $8–15.
A water bottle
Get one with the kid’s name on it. Hydroflask, Yeti, Camelbak, doesn’t matter. The label matters more than the brand.
Cost range: $15–35.
Ages 8–10 (U10/U12)
The fields get bigger, the games get longer, the ball moves up to size 4. Most kids are still on rec teams; some are moving to club.
Cleats (now actually mattering)
Cleats start to matter for performance, not just safety. Look for a snug heel and a stiffer sole that supports the foot during turns.
How to choose: have your kid run laterally in the cleats at the store. If the heel slides up, they’re too big. If the toe pinches, they’re too small.
Cost range: $40–80.
Shin guards (better quality)
Sleeve-style shin guards (you pull them on like a sock) are common at this age. They stay in place during sprints.
Cost range: $15–35.
A size-4 ball
U10 and U12 use a size-4 ball. Same brands as size-3, just bigger.
Cost range: $20–40.
Cleats bag (optional)
A small bag for cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle. Helps with the muddy gear coming home in the back seat. Most kids carry a backpack.
Cost range: $20–40.
Ages 11–12 (U13/U14)
The ball moves to size 5 (the adult size) by U13. The pace gets faster. Gear quality starts to matter more.
Cleats (more position-specific)
Some kids start asking for position-specific cleats (low-cut for speed, more support for defenders). At this age, a comfortable mid-range cleat is fine.
How to choose: still the heel-and-toe test. Don’t overpay for “pro-level” cleats for a 12-year-old.
Cost range: $50–120.
Shin guards (with ankle protection)
Look for shin guards with a small ankle sleeve. The pace at this age means more contact, more bruises.
Cost range: $25–50.
A size-5 ball
The adult size. This is the ball your kid will use for the rest of their playing career.
Cost range: $25–60.
Goalie gloves (only if your kid is a goalie)
Goalie gloves are a real category. Buy a youth-specific pair, not adult mediums sized down.
Cost range: $30–80.
Ages 13–14 (U14/U15 and middle-school)
Middle-school and club programs get more competitive. Some leagues require team uniforms; the team usually provides them.
Cleats (full quality range)
Buy cleats your kid will wear with pride. They will wear them every day at school anyway.
Cost range: $80–180.
Pro-style shin guards
Slip-in shin guards with carbon-fiber faces are common at this age. Lighter, stronger.
Cost range: $30–80.
Indoor shoes (if playing indoor in winter)
Indoor or futsal shoes have flat rubber soles. They are NOT optional if your kid plays indoor or gym soccer; cleats damage the floor.
Cost range: $30–80.
Ages 15+ (High school and club)
Most high-school programs provide team kits. You buy cleats, shin guards, indoor shoes, and any specialty gear.
Club soccer is its own economy. Annual fees run $1,500 to $4,000. Travel adds another $1,000 to $5,000 for serious teams. ECNL and showcase tournaments add more.
We are not telling you whether that’s worth it. We are telling you to read the club’s published fee schedule before you commit to the season.
A few honest notes
Don’t buy expensive cleats for a 6-year-old. They outgrow them in a season.
Don’t get talked into “soccer-specific” socks, headbands, or arm sleeves. The base kit is enough until age 12.
The most expensive part of soccer is the league. A $200 set of gear is cheap compared to $400 a season for the team.
If your kid plays goalie, get them a real pair of goalie gloves. The shared team pair has been used by ten kids and smells like a trash can.
— Maren