Equipment and Uniforms
We provide the uniform. You provide shoes and shin guards.
[IMAGE: Soccer equipment laid out - cleats, shin guards, jersey, shorts, socks]
What We Provide
When you register, your child receives:
- Jersey (team color assigned)
- Shorts (black)
- Socks (team color)
Uniforms are distributed before the season starts. Watch your email for pickup dates and locations.
Need a replacement? Email equipment@ayso13.org with a photo of the damaged item. Replacements are available on game days at the equipment tent.
What You Provide
Shoes
Sneakers work fine for soccer, especially for younger players.
If you want to buy soccer-specific shoes (cleats):
| Type | Best For | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| Sneakers/trainers | Any field, beginners | Flat rubber sole |
| Firm ground (FG) cleats | Most AYSO fields | Molded plastic studs |
| Turf shoes | Artificial turf only | Small rubber nubs instead of studs |
Firm ground (FG) cleats work on all our fields.
Sizing Tips
- Kids’ feet grow fast — don’t buy too far ahead
- Soccer shoes should fit snugly (tighter than regular shoes)
- Women’s/girls’ sizes: Add 1.5 to convert to men’s sizing (Women’s 8 = Men’s 6.5)
- IDA brand makes cleats designed for wider feet
Shin Guards
Shin guards are required for all practices and games. They protect the front of the lower leg from kicks and collisions.
For beginners, look for shin guards with an ankle strap or sleeve — these stay in place better than slip-in styles.
What to look for:
- Should cover from just below the knee to above the ankle
- Snug fit that doesn’t slide around
- Comfortable enough to wear for an hour
Shin guards are available at most sporting goods stores for $10-20.
Soccer Ball (Optional)
Teams share balls at practice and games, so you don’t need one. If your child wants to practice at home:
| Division | Ball Size |
|---|---|
| 4U-8U | Size 3 (smallest) |
| 10U-12U | Size 4 |
| 14U and up | Size 5 (adult) |
What’s Not Allowed
For safety, the following are not permitted during games or practices:
- Jewelry — including earrings, even if taped. Remove all jewelry before playing.
- Hard hair accessories — Soft fabric hair ties are fine. Hard clips, beads (except close-to-scalp braids), and headbands with hard parts are not allowed.
- Watches and fitness trackers — Must be removed or covered with a sweatband.
Exception: Medical alert bracelets may be worn but should be taped down or covered.
Uniform Rules
For Players
- Wear the full uniform (jersey, shorts, socks) to all games
- Shin guards must be worn under the socks
- No pockets on shorts (they can catch fingers) — plain black shorts are an acceptable substitute
- Undershirts, if worn, must match the jersey color
For Cold or Wet Weather
- Long-sleeved undershirts: OK if they match the jersey color
- Sweatpants or leggings: OK under shorts for practice; ask your coach about games
- Jackets: Remove for games, OK for practice
Uniforms for Coaches
Coaches wear red AYSO shirts (provided). New coaches receive their shirt at coach training.
Both women’s and men’s styles are available. Contact equipment@ayso13.org if you need a different size.
Tournament Teams
If your child is selected for a tournament team (All-Stars, NEXT, etc.), special jerseys are available for checkout.
- Tournament jerseys must be returned after the event
- $20 replacement fee for unreturned items
- Contact equipment@ayso13.org for checkout
Shopping List
Must have:
- [ ] Athletic shoes (sneakers or cleats)
- [ ] Shin guards
- [ ] Water bottle
Nice to have:
- [ ] Soccer ball for home practice
- [ ] Cleats (if your child wants them)
- [ ] Soccer bag
Don’t need:
- [ ] Expensive cleats (basic ones work fine)
- [ ] Goalkeeper gloves (provided if needed)
- [ ] Uniform pieces (we provide these)
Questions?
- Uniform issues: equipment@ayso13.org
- General questions: Contact us
Related Pages
- Getting Started — Overview for new families
- Age Divisions — Ball sizes by division
- Volunteer Training — Coach shirt pickup
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