BASE LAYER

SHIRT
SHIN PADS
GLOVES
Shirt

You can wear almost any kind of T-shirt that you want. However, it’s generally a good idea to try to pick out a football shirt
They’re lightweight, let your body breathe and handle sweat a bit better than heavier cotton shirts.
Avoid: anything that is skin-tight or sleeveless.
Shorts
They need to be lightweight, elasticated and with a draw-string that holds them up.
Avoid: shorts that are either too short or too long. Also avoid jogging bottoms or ‘sweatpants’ unless you’re playing in goal
Socks
Make sure you get some football socks. They’re long enough to pull up over shin pads if you choose to wear them (and thick enough to be
comfortable and warm.
Avoid: thin socks or short-cut trainer socks.
Shoes / Boots
This depends on the surface:
• If it’s artificial turf then you want special artificial turf trainers, with dimpled sole to help you grip
• If it’s indoors, you can still wear your AstroTurf trainers, but you might want to consider getting some specific indoor onesgenerally with
a gum-rubber.sole.

Avoid: boots with studs, especially blades. There’s no need to wear these unless you’re playing on grass.

Shin pads

Base layers
Made of lightweight, breathable material these go under your kit and serve 2 purposes:
• Warmth. For an item that is so thin and lightweight, these can provide an incredible amount of warmth. Not only are they a lot lighter
than wearing a jumper (‘sweater’), they stay close to the skin and don’t let the drafts through.
• Compression. The theory goes that by providing compression to your muscles they will work more efficiently. Avoid: wearing base layers
without a layer over the top – not a good look. Also avoid wearing anything that is designed for the cold when it’s hot outside; you will cook!