Where to buy Youth gear

[CSheard]

My eldest will be 3 in May, and I'm entering what to me is a whole new world: youth soccer. He's been playing soccer with me in the basement or in the yard since he could walk, but will soon be taking the field. Yet I never seem to see any soccer-related stuff that small where I shop for myself (eg. Eurosport) - not just replica stuff, which also would be nice, but even soccer shorts. I know he could wear any old shorts and t-shirt ... but if he's going to wear anything, why not something that looks right (hopefully without over-doing it)? Do they even make cleats that small?

I haven't yet gone to the local Sports Authority, or Dick's Sporting Goods, or Nike and Reebok outlets, so I don't know if they carry stuff that small. Any suggestions?

[Karl K]

In your neck of the woods, central NJ, there have got to be a few soccer specialty stores; they may stock up on youth sizes.

You might want to check out some of the Brit soccer gear web sites.

The fact, though, is that the smallest soccer gear, including shoes, are made for kindergartners -- 5 and 6 year olds. And as you will find, the difference in size between a 3 year old and a 5 year old can be significant.

I think moldeds or cleats of any kind are a bit of overkill for young players, even 5 year olds. A good set of rough-soled cross training shoes are perfectly acceptable. Think about cleats at U8 or U9.

Keep him kickin'!!

[Tomahawk]

Isn't Soccer Post in that area?

[CSheard]

Thanks, both of you. I checked, and in fact there is a Soccer Post not too far from here. I'll go there this weekend. Thanks again.

[boydreilly]

I know it is a nation-wide company, but I don't if it is in your hood - Stride Rite has cleats for little munchkins.

My 3 year old swears the cleats have taken off a good 5 seconds off her time when doing suicides.

[Tomahawk]

why is a 3 year old doing suicides?

[boydreilly]

Originally posted by Tomahawk
why is a 3 year old doing suicides?

Come on. You want to win the World Cup in 2002 or not?

[SueB]

Little late for 2002? :D Tomahawk, just a guess on my part, but I believe boydreilly was making a joke.

[kevbrunton]

Originally posted by Karl Keller
The fact, though, is that the smallest soccer gear, including shoes, are made for kindergartners -- 5 and 6 year olds. And as you will find, the difference in size between a 3 year old and a 5 year old can be significant.
That may be the smallest for CLEATS, but my 3 yr old has been in Samba's since he's been in shoes. The local soccer store carries them all the way down to baby size. When my 17 yr old gets cleats, the owner gives the 3 yr old Samba's for half price.

[dolphinscoach]

For replica stuff, go to a club's website. I have seen little tikes sporting team loyalties on their onesies, and lots of toddlers with replicas and t-shirts. And I remember seeing indoor shoes for infants--purely ornamental and very overpriced.

I would be a bit careful about the cleats for little ones for safety reasons. The skeletal structure is still developing at that age and joints (e.g., ankles) are susceptible to damage. (For instance, that is why you are not supposed to swing a four-year-old like an airplane by holding their hands or forearms.) Since cleats are not completely flat, and three-year-olds still are learning to run, etc., I would be worried about the risk of rolling an ankle or similar, esp. if the child runs onto a driveway, parking lot, etc. (I and many others have slipped and gone down chasing a ball onto a parking lot.) Also, if your 3-year-old is starting to play against other little ones, the others will be in more pain when kicked or stepped on by cleats.

[Tomahawk]

Originally posted by SueB
Little late for 2002? :D Tomahawk, just a guess on my part, but I believe boydreilly was making a joke.

No, I meant that suicides were bad. There should be an integrated fitness program. Upper body, core strength training etc..

[SueB]

Good one! You had me for a second. Thought you were seriously discussing a possible training regimen for a 3-year-old. BTW, I wish they'd realized that about suicides when I was still in college! :D

[bc939kdl]

suicides...oh my god. with a three year old?!

[SueB]

*sigh* Anybody who didn't catch that that was meant to be humorous has never met a 3-year-old.

[XtremeSales]

SPORTSAQ.COM has a unique bag designed just for the soccer player. For more information look at our site or email me at xtremesands@speakeasy.net

Look for the SOCCERSAQ & SOCCERSAQ jr. at the retailer near you.

[Bleacherbutt]

If you are ever in Orlando or Myrtle Beach, Umbro has company stores in those cities. The merchandise is top quality, but it's last year's (an previous year's) issue. You can save 20%-70%. Orlando also has Adidas and Puma stores as well. I bought pair of K-Leather cleats for my daughter for $30 (list $160) at the Adidas store. There are some insane deals out there.

[bc939kdl]

Sorry, I posted before I saw that it was a joke.