Gifts for Young Footballers
Start with the child’s age, club and favourite part of playing. A gift should support their enjoyment, whether that means a tidy kit bag, time practising together or a book about a player they admire. Boots and protective equipment need a parent or carer’s input, and training equipment should fit the available space rather than turn every garden into a football pitch.
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
- Ask a parent or coach for the correct ball size and club requirements.
- Check footwear size and playing surface together rather than choosing surprise boots.
- Choose practice equipment only where there is suitable space and supervision.
The ideas
- 1
A named boot bag
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Young players whose kit travels between school and training
A washable bag gives muddy boots their own place and makes the end-of-session pack-up easier. A small internal name label can help identify it without putting a child’s full name prominently on the outside.
Before you buy: Measure the boots and leave room for growth without choosing an oversized bag.
- 2
A training ball in the coach’s specified size
Plan up to £30A good fit for: A player who wants their own ball for practice
The right size lets practice feel familiar instead of forcing a younger player to use an adult ball. Ask the coach for the specification and choose a surface-appropriate model with clear inflation instructions.
Before you buy: Check whether a pump is already available and whether the ball arrives inflated.
- 3
A refillable drinks bottle they can open easily
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Busy training evenings and match days
A recognisable bottle reduces mix-ups and makes packing for training straightforward. Let the child try the lid if possible, and choose a shape that fits the bag pocket and can be thoroughly cleaned.
Before you buy: Check club rules and avoid brittle materials where the bottle may be knocked over.
- 4
A football skills book for their reading level
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Children who like trying new ideas between sessions
A clearly illustrated book can give a child and adult something to explore together without a screen. Look inside for age-appropriate explanations and activities that suit the space they actually have.
Before you buy: Avoid books that promise rapid performance gains or assume adult training loads.
- 5
A small set of flexible marker discs
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Supervised practice in a suitable open space
A few markers can turn simple passing and dribbling games into a shared activity. Keep the set manageable and choose flexible pieces with a storage strap so they can be counted and put away afterwards.
Before you buy: Check age suitability, trip hazards and permission to use the space.
- 6
Tickets to a match chosen with their carer
Plan up to £75A good fit for: A young fan who would enjoy seeing a game in person
A match can become a memorable shared day when travel, seating and the child’s routine are planned together. Choose the team and fixture with the carer rather than relying on a generic ticket voucher.
Before you buy: Budget for the accompanying adult, transport and any club ticketing restrictions.
Save your favourites
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Create your free listFAQs
Are football boots a safe surprise?
Choose them with the child and carer. Fit, growth, surface and club guidance matter more than a favourite colour or player endorsement.
What works for a child just starting football?
A suitable ball, simple bag or bottle can support the routine. Keep practice playful and use the coach’s age-group advice.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.