When coaching soccer, you will want to make sure that you have the proper soccer coaching equipment before you start, as this will ensure that you can adequately teach your team the fundamentals of the game.
The soccer equipment that you purchase will be dependent on the level of soccer that you will be coaching, since more advanced levels of the sport will require more equipment. Young children will only require soccer balls and some field markers, but you might want to invest in a few more items if you plan on coaching children over the age of seven.
Many coaches will begin by purchasing a kit bag, which will include much of the soccer coaching equipment that you will need. This will just be the minimum amount of equipment needed, however, so you might want to purchase a few more items before getting started. The soccer equipment that is included in these kits usually starts with soccer balls, vests, and markers, although some of them might also have a whistle, a notepad, and a first aid kit. One thing that you will want to keep on eye on is the cost, as it can become expensive if you wish to purchase a kit that includes all of these items.
You should definitely have the afore mentioned soccer coaching equipment, as all of it will allow you to run a proper practice. Other items like a mesh ball bag, a soccer ball pump, and a holder for your field markers will make your life a lot easier. It might also be a good idea to have two sets of vests, just in case you decide to run a scrimmage during practice. While it is possible to get by with only one set, it can lead to confusion depending on the colors that certain team members are wearing.Many coaches wish to have more advanced soccer coaching equipment at their disposal, which can include things like an erasable whiteboard, which will help when developing a strategy for the next game. In addition, things like poles, a speed ladder, speed rings, hurdles, and pop up goals can help with training and scrimmaging by setting fitness goals for your players. Much of this soccer equipment is only needed for older players, as it will come in handy once these players begin taking the sport more seriously.
It might be a good idea to slowly build up a collection of soccer coaching equipment, as this will help you to gradually find everything that you need. Since most soccer associations do not have the budget to help you purchase more than the basics, you will have to pay for many of these items out of your own pocket. With that being said, it will be well worth it if you are able to develop your own soccer equipment kit, as it will allow you to properly train your players, which will help greatly with their development moving forward.
