Use this to plan what you need and track what you’ve bought. Print it, write in the brand and type you want, and check items off as you go.
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Helmet (NOCSAE certified) | ☐ | _________________________ | Must fit snug, no wobble |
| Shoulder pads | ☐ | _________________________ | Should cover shoulders + sternum |
| Mouthguard | ☐ | _________________________ | Required at all levels |
| Cleats | ☐ | _________________________ | Molded cleats for youth, no metal |
| Football pants (with pads) | ☐ | _________________________ | Thigh, knee, hip pads included or separate |
| Thigh pads | ☐ | _________________________ | Often sold separately |
| Knee pads | ☐ | _________________________ | Often sold separately |
| Hip pads / tailbone pad | ☐ | _________________________ | Check if included with pants |
| Athletic supporter / cup | ☐ | _________________________ | Required or strongly recommended |
| Practice jersey | ☐ | _________________________ | Team may provide |
| Game jersey | ☐ | _________________________ | Team usually provides |
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Flag belt | ☐ | _________________________ | League may provide |
| Cleats or athletic shoes | ☐ | _________________________ | Molded cleats or turf shoes |
| Mouthguard | ☐ | _________________________ | Required in most leagues |
| Shorts / athletic pants | ☐ | _________________________ | No pockets (flags must hang free) |
Nice to Have
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Football (youth size) | ☐ | _________________________ | For home practice |
| Receiver gloves | ☐ | _________________________ | Helpful, not required |
| Equipment bag | ☐ | _________________________ | Big enough for helmet + pads |
| Water bottle | ☐ | _________________________ | Bring to every practice and game |
| Cones (4–6) | ☐ | _________________________ | For driveway drills |
| Compression shirt / shorts | ☐ | _________________________ | Comfort under pads |
| Extra mouthguard | ☐ | _________________________ | They get lost. Buy two. |
Dad Pro Tips
- Helmet fit is the most important thing. Get it fitted at a sporting goods store if you can. It should not wobble, slide, or sit too high.
- Buy used everything except the helmet. Shoulder pads, cleats, and pants are all great used buys. Helmets should be NOCSAE certified and not expired.
- Tape a gear list inside the bag. Kids forget things. A checklist taped inside the bag solves this.
- Label everything. Sharpie on the inside of the helmet, pads, bag — all of it. Gear rooms are chaos.
