Gifts for Football Coaches
The best present for a grassroots coach often solves a small job they repeat every week: carrying equipment, explaining a drill or keeping a session moving. Ask which age group they coach and what belongs to the club before buying. This list focuses on useful coaching support rather than souvenirs, and avoids assuming that every coach wants more kit to store.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Check the club’s equipment cupboard before duplicating cones, bibs or balls.
- Choose planning materials for the age group and format they coach.
- Keep player information in the club’s approved system rather than a personalised public gift.
The ideas
- 1
A weather-resistant tactics board
Plan up to £35A good fit for: Coaches explaining short activities beside the pitch
A portable board makes it easier to show positions and a small sequence without gathering everyone around a phone. Choose a size that fits the kit bag and a surface that can be wiped clean between sessions.
Before you buy: Check magnets, pens and storage; a huge board can be awkward on a small training pitch.
- 2
A session-planning notebook
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Coaches who like preparing drills on paper
A notebook with pitch diagrams and free space supports a repeatable planning routine. Look for room to record what worked and what to change next time, rather than only a match-results template.
Before you buy: Choose the pitch format they use and avoid pre-printing children’s personal details.
- 3
A pump with a readable pressure gauge
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Coaches responsible for checking training balls
A clear gauge helps the coach follow the pressure range printed on each ball instead of judging by feel alone. A compact storage case keeps the pump and the correct spare needles together in the equipment bag.
Before you buy: Check valve compatibility and follow the ball maker’s instructions.
- 4
A mesh equipment sack
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Coaches carrying a known number of footballs
A correctly sized sack makes moving the club’s existing balls less awkward and lets damp surfaces dry after training. Confirm the ball size and quantity so the sack is useful without becoming difficult to carry.
Before you buy: A larger sack is not always easier to manage, especially with other training kit.
- 5
A simple stopwatch
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Coaches timing drills without using a phone
Large controls and a readable display can make a basic stopwatch more useful than a complicated sports gadget. Choose the functions the coach actually uses and check that the buttons are easy to operate outdoors.
Before you buy: Water resistance and battery access vary; do not assume a stopwatch is waterproof.
- 6
Credit for their chosen coaching resource
Plan up to £50A good fit for: A coach who has named a course, book or session library
Supporting a resource they want can improve the season without adding equipment to a crowded boot. Ask about the age group and coaching approach so the contribution goes towards something they will genuinely use.
Before you buy: Check subscription renewal and whether club membership already provides access.
Save your favourites
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Create your free listFAQs
Should I buy a set of footballs?
Ask the coach or club first. Age group, size, surface and existing stock determine what is useful, and storage may already be full.
What is a good team thank-you gift?
A specific item the coach has requested, accompanied by a card from the team, usually feels more useful and personal than a large novelty trophy.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.