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If you’ve recently started playing soccer, you might be wondering what to put in your soccer bag. After all, it’s an important thing to think about before heading to practice.
So, to help you out, we recommend five soccer bag essentials for all players and recommend an awesome kit bag you can use to store all of your gear.
Without further ado, let’s find out what you should store in your soccer bag.
What should you put in your soccer bag?
Although you don’t need a huge amount of kit to play soccer, you should keep your cleats, shin guards, undergarments, towel & toiletries, and water bottle in your kit bag. Below, we explain how to organize your kit bag in more detail and introduce you to some of our top picks to help you get your hands on the best equipment.
Five soccer bag essentials
Assuming that you’ve already packed your team’s kit (or perhaps are issued it at the game), here are five essentials that every player needs to carry in their soccer kit bag.
Cleats
First and foremost, you need to grab yourself a pair of soccer cleats. There is so much choice when it comes to cleats, so you need to think about what works best for you. You can choose from a huge selection of brands, colors, and designs.
While it’s possible to get drawn into buying expensive soccer cleats, you can also find great value soccer cleats for less than $100, like these unisex Adidas Copa cleats. They’re durable, affordable, and available in a range of colors, making them a great choice for all players.
You should avoid keeping dirty cleats in your soccer bag, as they will smell really bad! Make sure you clean your cleats as soon as you get home, and you can then leave them out to dry before adding them to your kit bag, ready for your next match or practice session.
Shin guards
As stipulated in the rules of the game, all players are required to wear shin guards, making them an essential item to keep in your kit bag. You can choose from multiple types of shin guards, from slip-ons to those with ankle guards.
Ultimately, it’s about feeling comfortable and finding the right shin guards for your preferences. As is the case with your cleats, you should clean your shin guards before keeping them in your soccer kit bag.
After a game, your shin guards will be sweaty, and you don’t need us to tell you how bad they will smell! So, clean them up after the match before storing them in your kit bag.
Undergarments
Soccer players rely on a range of undergarments to perform at their best on the field. Some players wear undervests and pants, while others invest in long pants to wear under their shorts. It really just depends on what makes you feel comfortable.
We must stress that undergarments aren’t essential, but they can really help you with your comfort levels out on the field. These HeatGear Compression Pants from Under Armour are perfect for soccer players and will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the match.
They boast moisture-wicking properties, too, and will help you keep cool. While everyone is different, undergarments are an important part of most soccer players’ kits, so consider adding a pair of undershorts to your kit bag this season.
Towel and toiletries
Assuming that you’re going to take a shower in the locker room after the match, you should keep a towel and toiletries at hand in your soccer kit bag. While you can use items from your bathroom, it’s actually easier to put together a bag of toiletries specifically for your kit bag.
This means you’re less likely to forget them, as you don’t need to take them out of your bag when you get home after the match.
A useful item for any kit bag is Deep Heat, which is ideal for muscle injuries. So, in addition to deodorant and shower gel, it’s handy to have a tube of Deep Heat on hand when you get changed in the locker room after the game.
Water bottle
Last but not least, you will need to have a water bottle as part of your soccer kit. Keeping hydrated is super important when you’re out on the field, and failing to do so will significantly hinder your performance levels.
You don’t need anything special, but having a decent water bottle will make your life that little bit easier and will ensure you don’t get dehydrated when you’re out on the field.
The best soccer bag for players?
Picking up the above items will ensure you have everything you need. But what should you store them in? Well, any gym bag will do, and you don’t necessarily need a specific soccer bag to get started.
However, if you’re looking for a new soccer kit bag, this Nike duffel bag is perfect and available in various colors and styles. It has all the space you need to store your soccer essentials and is a great choice if you’re looking for a new soccer bag for the upcoming season.
Recap: What to put in your soccer bag?
One of the reasons that we love soccer so much is because you don’t need a huge selection of expensive equipment to get started. With these five essentials, you can get out there and enjoy the beautiful game.
Just remember to look after your soccer equipment, and it will serve you well for several seasons into the future.