How to Best Dress for Youth Soccer in Cold Weather

Soccer is played all year long, in all weather conditions. It's important for players to dress properly in order to enjoy the game and to play most efficiently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Apparel
• Soccer Cleats
• Soccer Shin Guards
• Soccer Uniforms
• soccer balls

1. Make sure clothing complies with league or team rules, such as color coordination.

2. Invest in state-of-the-art fabrics for optimal warmth and comfort.

3. Dress children more warmly than you would an adult. They have less body fat to keep them warm.

4. Dress goalkeepers in extra layers, since they generate less warmth than field players.

5. Wear turtlenecks under jerseys.

6. Wear less expensive clothing layered over sports fabrics if cost is an issue.

7. Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture, making it heavy and uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop about two months before the start of the soccer season, when stores are well-stocked with the best merchandise.
• Go to a soccer specialty or sporting goods store, or order from a soccer catalog.
• Consult with a knowledgeable salesperson, preferably one who knows soccer.
• Purchase clothing that can be layered, as opposed to one bulky item.
• Wear a fabric that wicks away moisture from the skin if you perspire.
• Consider hats and headbands if the team and league allow them.
• Buy less expensive gear for younger children. You need not go overboard in the beginning.
• Buy sports bras for girls, which can provide warmth as well as support.
• Check out gloves for field players, which have special grips for throw-ins.
• Pack a change of clothes in your player's bag to wear after getting wet or muddy.

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[keepingwarm]

on 3/25/2009 My team wears SealSkinz waterproof / breathable football socks (from www.WaterproofFootballSocks.com). They are comfortable and make a huge difference. They keep you dry in the wet weather, warm in the cold weather and cool in the heat - with less chance of blisters forming.

on 11/22/2005 When you play in rain is the most fun and best time to play soccer, but also dangerous. So make sure you have good cleats and don't wear too many clothes. I just wear my soccer shirt and shorts. Soccer rules; so does snowboarding!

on 11/22/2005 I am 13 and I play soccer. I find it most comfortable and warm if you wear wind pants with lining and keep moving. It helps to wear a jacket when on the sidelines, too.