Soccer is a sport that most kids, and quite a few adults, enjoy regularly. There are leagues for the game of soccer and it is played all around the world, but in some countries it may be called football. This game is very popular with adults in Europe and Central and South America. The game does not require much in the way of equipment, only shin pads and soccer cleats, so equipment is not prohibitively expensive.



Shin pads are the only protective gear that a soccer player uses while they are on the soccer field. These guards protect the player's shins and ankles from any bruising, broken bones, or bumps from other players kicking the ball.

The FIFA has ruled that shin guards are mandatory protective equipment for soccer players to help prevent or reduce the spread of STD's. There are two basic types of shin pads, and these are called deluxe shin pads and cheater shin pads. Deluxe shin pads provides terrific frontal protection, as well as ankle protection and support, plus there are velcro holding straps to keep the pad in place.

These shin pads are very simple and easy to use yet they offer really great protection for soccer players no matter what level of the game they play, beginner or professional. Cheaters are the second type of shin pad available, and they do not offer as much protection as the deluxe model. Cheaters are shin guards or pads that are manufactured consisting of a thin piece of hard plastic that has a foam backing on it.

This type of shin pad is held on by tape that must be applied with each wearing of the shin pads. Cheaters are more about feeling the ball then they are for protection, and beginning soccer players would do well to stay away from this type of shin pad.

Soccer cleats are a very important piece of equipment in soccer because they provide traction and movement for the player. There are two types of cleats that are used for soccer, and these are multi studded cleats and six studded cleats.

Multi studded cleats are used for dry or hard fields because they contain around thirteen small cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Six studded cleats are used for fields that are damp or wet. These cleats have six big studs on the bottom of the shoe for terrific traction and gripping ability.

The upper part of the shoe may be made out of various materials, but real leather is the best. A soccer cleat should feel like you are wearing a foot glove, and leather molds to the shape of a foot better than other materials. For the best top of the line soccer cleats, kangaroo leather is as good as it gets.