Important features of a football kit
- Streamlined, aerodynamic fit.
- Fabric must be able to endure physical contact and contact with the ground without ripping, splitting, fraying or weakening.
- Sweat absorbent/dry feel.
- Fabric needs to endure frequent washing at high temperatures to remove mud/grass stains.
- Fabric should be of an easy care finish to remove the need for ironing.
What makes up a match day football kit?
Match Kit |
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| Football Shorts | Football shorts are relatively loose fitting to allow the player flexibility of movement. Elasticated waistbands allow for a comfortable fit with some styles featuring an additional drawstring tie. | |
| Football shirt | Football shirts can be loose or slim fitting according to preferred style, with or without a collar. Player’s names and numbers are usually displayed on the back of the shirt with the club logo and sponsor on the front. Shirts can either have long or short sleeves. | |
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There are different kinds of football boots, designed specifically to suit the type and condition of the playing surface (eg. Indoor, outdoor, artificial grass etc). As a general guide, soft ground boots have removable screw-in studs, whereas firm ground boots tend to have moulded studs. Choosing a boot to suit the playing surface will help aid performance on the pitch, prolong the life of the boots and also help prevent injury. |
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| Base Layers | In colder months tight fitting base layer shorts and tops can be worn beneath a football kit for additional warmth. | |
| Football socks | Depending on the brand you choose, football socks can feature Dri-FIT type technology, ventilated mesh panels and anatomical cushioned footbeds, designed specifically to fit the left and right foot. Football socks are knee length, however some styles can be worn to fit over the knee cap. Football socks also help to hold shin guards firmly in place. | |
| Footless socks | Footless socks (otherwise known as stirrup socks) are becoming increasingly popular, the idea is that the player wears non slip ankle socks beneath the football sock, whilst still retaining the overall kit appearance with the knee length sock in team colours. | |
Goalkeeper Match Kit |
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| Goalkeeper gloves | Goalkeeper gloves provide additional grip and shock absorption. | |
| Goalkeeper trousers | Goalkeepers also have the option of choosing full length or three quarter length fitted trousers as opposed to shorts, to offer extra protection. | |
| Shin guards | Shin guards are made from strong plastic or lightweight metal and offer strategic protection for the shins. Most shin guards are secured with straps around the calf and are further secured by the football sock which is worn over the guard. Some models offer additional protection for the ankle and are further secured by a stirrup strap beneath the foot. Most shin guards are designed specifically for a left/right fit. | |
| Goalkeeper base layers | Goalkeeper base layer shorts and tops provide additional warmth, whilst also featuring protective padded panels across contacts areas, such as hips, thighs, shoulders and elbows. | |
Referee Kit/Equipment |
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| Referee match shirt | Large chest pockets for storing cards and match essentials are an important feature on a referee’s shirt. Shirts can be long sleeved or short sleeved and feature breathable technology. | |
| Shorts | As per player’s shorts, referee’s shorts are loose fitting with an elasticated waistband and a drawstring tie. | |
| Stop watch/watch | Stopwatches, or watches designed specifically for match use are essential for timing the game, breaks etc. | |
| Cards, notes and Wallet | Red and yellow cards, plus match notes and a pencil are integral to a referee’s job. When stored in a compact, slimline wallet, these items are easy to access from a chest pocket. | |
| Whistle | A professional level, high quality whistle is essential for creating a reliably loud signal to players. | |
| Lanyards | Securing a whistle on a lanyard and hanging it around the neck keeps it handy throughout the match and prevents it from being dropped. | |
| Vanishing foam | Vanishing foam spray provides a visual marker on the pitch for free kicks and also for indicating the distance between the ball and the opposing team. As the name suggests, the mark disappears, leaving no mark on the pitch. | |
Football kit checklists
Match Kit |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Shorts | ||
| Shirt | ||
| Socks | ||
| Shin guards | ||
| Football boots | ||
| Bench jackets | ||
Goalkeeper kit |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Long sleeved shirt | ||
| Long trousers/shorts | ||
| Gloves | ||
| Padded base layer shirt | ||
| Padded base layer shorts | ||
| Football boots | ||
Referee kit/equipment |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Referee’s shirt | ||
| Shorts | ||
| Socks | ||
| Football boots | ||
| Whistle and lanyard | ||
| Cards | ||
| Data wallet | ||
| Stopwatch | ||
| Vanishing foam | ||
Training wear |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Training pants/trousers | ||
| Training tops | ||
| Base layer tops | ||
| Base layer shorts/pants | ||
| Training jackets/rainwear | ||
| Socks | ||
| T-Shirts/Polo shirts | ||
| Footwear | ||
Leisurewear |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Hoodies | ||
| Sweatshirts | ||
| Jackets | ||
| Polo shirts | ||
| Shorts | ||
| Sweatpants/bottoms | ||
| Tracksuits | ||
| T-shirts | ||
| Hats/headwear | ||
| Gloves | ||
Equipment |
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Item |
Quantity |
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| Footballs | ||
| Bags | ||
| Football boots/footwear | ||
| Training aides | ||
| Support tapes | ||
| Sprays | ||
| Ball carriers | ||
| Pumps | ||
| Water bottles | ||
| Water bottle carriers | ||
| Speakers/headphones/wristbands | ||
