Equipment

Uniforms are included in the registration fee, but players are expected to provide their own appropriate footwear (soccer cleats are recommended, but tennis shoes are ok), shinguards, and appropriate sized soccer ball (3, 4 or 5). If you are unsure about what equipment you need for your child, please ask your child's coach or contact us.

The 5 S's - All players must wear at games and at practices:
 - Shirt
 - Shorts
 - Socks
 - Shin guards
 - Shoes

Soccer Uniforms

All new registered players and returning players who indicated that they needed a new uniform, will be issued uniforms at the beginning of the season. The uniform consists of shorts, two soccer jerseys, and two pair of socks (included in the registration fee for new players). Shoes and shinguards are also considered to be part of the uniform, but are not supplied by the AYSO Cedar Rapids/Marion region.

Players are expected to be dressed in the complete uniform for each Saturday game. Uniforms are to be worn over other clothing (jackets, etc.).

See the Uniform Sizes page on how to determine your child's uniform size.

What size ball does my child need for team practices?

Soccer balls come in different sizes and it is important that your child has the correct size ball for his/her Division.

Balls should be properly inflated, so that they can be slightly depressed with both thumbs.

What are soccer cleats? Do players need them?

Soccer cleats are not required by the region, but they will provide better traction for the athlete than standard tennis shoes. They are not the same as baseball cleats (which have a spike at the toe). Soccer cleats are available at sporting goods stores, most shoe stores, and many discount stores.
Toe cleats are not permitted for safety reasons. Baseball cleats and football cleats will be allowed only after the toe cleats have been removed. These can easily be cut off with an utility knife.

What are shinguards? Do players need them?

Shinguards are an essential safety device, since the shins (and ankles) are generally the part of the body closest to the ball (and thus often to other players' feet). They generally include some kind of plastic that is covering the shins, and often the ankles too. Shinguards are MANDATORY for all practices and all games. They are available at most sporting goods stores.

After ankle sprains and knee strains, shin injuries are the third most common injury in soccer. This type of injury commonly occurs when players attempting to kick the ball strike each other instead with a strong, cleated kick.

To prove the importance of wearing shinguards, researchers tested 22 types of shinguards weighing anywhere from 2 to 6.5 ounces. A weighted pendulum device was used to strike test dummies wearing each type of shinguard. While heavier shin guards protected typically well, many other lighter versions also performed sufficiently well and would be easier for a player to maneuver with.

The article suggested that players look for a shinguard light enough to move around in, yet heavy enough to provide adequate protection. AYSO requires that all players wear shinguards during practices and games. This injury reducer is low in cost, yet high on safety!