SPLAY BUYING GUIDES · FOOTBALL
Buy the equipment your football sessions need.
Whether you are buying for a player, goalkeeper, coach or team, start with how you train and play. Choose suitable ball sizes, correctly fitting protection and enough session equipment for your group.
Choose suitable training footballs
Check the size required by your team or competition before purchasing.
Ball size comes first
Choose by the age group and playing format, rather than guessing from the player’s height. England youth football guidance changed for the 2026/27 season; the Football Size Guide explains the current starting points.
Check local competition rules, especially outside England or for futsal and other formats.
Training use & upkeep
For repeated sessions, compare the ball’s listed surface suitability, construction and care instructions. Match requirements may differ from training needs. Inflate to the pressure shown on the ball and check condition regularly.
Goalkeeper equipment & protection
Fit matters more than a product label or a player’s age.
Goalkeeper gloves
Compare hand fit, glove cut, grip and finger protection. A training pair should suit regular use; a preferred match pair can be kept for matches. Check the exact model’s sizing and features.
Shin pads & other protection
Choose shin pads that sit securely beneath the socks and provide suitable coverage without restricting knee or ankle movement. Check the product’s sizing and your club’s kit requirements before ordering.
Build a useful session kit
Start with everyday essentials and add equipment for specific drills.
Cones & markers
Use markers for pitch boundaries, starting points and passing grids; taller cones can make gates and turning points clearer. Choose quantities around the layouts you run at the same time.
Bibs & coaching essentials
Choose bib sizes that fit the players, with enough colours to separate groups. Allow for spares and changes between activities. Check what you need for setup, ball inflation and carrying equipment.
Agility equipment
Ladders, hurdles and poles can support warm-ups, footwork and movement drills. Choose manageable heights and suitable bases. Combine planned movement patterns with football decisions and ball work.
Plan equipment packs for group training
Write down squad size, ages, training surface and the number of stations you run. Aim to keep groups active rather than waiting for one shared setup. Check listed pack quantities against your plan and remove duplicates of kit you already own.
Explore football training kits or browse school, club and coaching equipment packs.
For tailored quantities or specialist club requirements, request a quote. Organisation purchasing is explained on the Schools & Clubs page.
Turn your checklist into an equipment list.
Explore football training equipment, or narrow the options with the Equipment Finder.