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Equipment and Uniforms

What your child needs to play soccer in Region 13: cleats, shin guards, uniform, and ball requirements by age group.

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?



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