# Parent

Score Big with These Top Gift Ideas for Youth Soccer Players

The ultimate guide to buying a gift for soccer players. Get your player the best soccer present this year.
by
Charles LaCalle

If you have a young soccer enthusiast in your life, finding the perfect gift that aligns with their passion for the game can be a goal-scoring challenge. Fear not! We've curated a winning lineup of gifts that are sure to delight any budding soccer star. From practical gear to innovative technology, these gift ideas are bound to elevate their game and bring a smile to their face.

Soccer Rebounder

Soccer players and parents love rebounders. A rebounder allows players to practice passing and receiving skills. The unpredictable nature of the ball's return helps improve a player's ability to control and receive passes effectively. Players can work on their shooting accuracy and power by striking the ball against the rebounder. The rebounder simulates different angles and trajectories, enhancing shooting proficiency. It also challenges players to develop a soft and controlled first touch. This is crucial for maintaining possession and setting up subsequent plays.

Buy at Dick's Sporting Goods

Trace AI Soccer Camera

Picture of the AI Trace soccer camera

Trace is the most advanced AI soccer cameras on the market and can capture and analyze a player's movements, providing valuable insights into their performance. Young players, especially those serious about improving their skills, appreciate the opportunity to receive detailed feedback on their gameplay. Trace can help players identify areas for improvement in their technique, positioning, and decision-making. This is the perfect gift for a young soccer player dedicated to honing their skills and reaching higher levels of play.

Buy from Trace

Electric Ball Pump

Electric ball pumps make fantastic gifts for soccer players. Unlike manual pumps, electric ball pumps automate the inflation process, saving players valuable time and effort. With the ability to quickly and precisely inflate soccer balls to the desired pressure, these devices ensure that players always have optimally inflated balls for practice and games. The portability of electric pumps allows players to carry them easily in their soccer bags, ensuring they are always prepared. Whether on the training field or before a match, the efficiency and ease of use make electric ball pumps an indispensable tool for soccer players, enhancing their overall playing experience and demonstrating thoughtful consideration for their athletic needs.

Buy from Amazon

The Academy Book Series

This is a fantastic gift for young players, especially if they fall between 9 to 12 years old. "The Academy" by T.Z. Layton is one of the most popular books for youth soccer players! Whether your child is just getting started or already playing competitive soccer, young adults are immediately drawn into this book series and into the world of a young American boy navigating the challenges of an English professional soccer academy. The detailed soccer play, combined with a relatable and compelling main character, keeps readers turning pages.

Buy from Amazon

Professional Soccer Jersey

Professional soccer jerseys allow young players to feel a sense of affinity with their local or favorite teams. These jerseys often feature vibrant designs, team logos, and player names, making them visually appealing and exciting for young fans. It's a tangible link to the broader soccer culture, fostering a sense of identity and pride in supporting a specific team. As young players aspire to reach higher levels in their own soccer journeys, wearing a jersey can serve as motivation and inspiration, fueling their passion for the sport during the festive season and beyond.

Buy from the MLS Store

New Soccer Ball

A high-quality soccer ball is a must for any player. Look for balls made from durable materials with a good grip, suitable for both training and matches. Bonus points if you find one in their favorite color or adorned with unique patterns.

Buy on Soccer.com

Open Goaaal Soccer 3-in-1 Trainer (Starter)

Open Goaaal is a soccer training goal + rebounder + backstop all in one. Players can practice like the pros without worrying about having to chase the ball down, breaking windows, going over the fence, or destroying the garden. At 6 ft 7 inches tall and up to 13 ft 9 inches wide, the Open Goaaal rebounds the majority of missed shots, so kids can get better faster and keep active.

Buy from Open Goaaal

Waistband Soccer Trainer

Waistband soccer trainers, or resistance bands designed for soccer drills, offer a fun and effective way for players to enhance their skills. These training tools are designed to improve strength, agility, and overall fitness specific to soccer movements. For young players, incorporating these trainers into their practice routines adds an element of excitement to training sessions. The resistance provided by the waistband helps players build muscle, improve balance, and refine their ball control skills. As a Christmas gift, waistband soccer trainers show thoughtful consideration for the player's development and passion for the sport, encouraging them to engage in enjoyable and purposeful training activities during the holiday season and beyond.

Buy from Dick's Sporting Goods

Professional Coaching Sessions

Soccer lessons can have a transformative impact on a young player's game. Individualized attention, structured training programs, and targeted feedback creates an environment that nurtures both skill development and self-confidence. These lessons serve as a pathway for young players to refine their techniques, understand game strategies, and set and achieve personal goals. Soccer lessons received as a Christmas gift embody a commitment to a young player's passion for soccer and provide a lasting investment in their growth as athletes.

Local Austin Lessons from Avila Soccer

Cleats

Cleats are not only a vital tool for optimal performance on the field but also a considerable investment, often being one of the biggest expenses of the soccer season for players and their families. For this reason, many parents choose to give cleats as a holiday present. New cleats symbolize a fresh start, a boost in confidence, and a commitment to the player's passion for the sport. As a Christmas gift, cleats are not just functional; they are a meaningful gesture that enhances a young player's experience, ensuring they step onto the field with comfort, style, and the motivation to perform their best.

Shop on Soccer.com

Shin Guards

"My son's team compares shin guards like they're designer bags," stated one soccer mom. Shin guards a key part of the soccer experience. They protect the shinbone from contusions, fractures, and other injuries due to its exposure during play. They're the protective barrier that helps absorb and distribute the force of impacts, reducing the risk of injury. And they are typically mandated by leagues.

Buy from Soccer.com

Grip Socks

Grip socks are designed with additional traction on the soles, preventing slipping and improving stability during quick movements. The assurance of a firm grip can boost a player's confidence, allowing them to focus on their skills without worrying about slipping on the field. This practical aspect not only improves safety but also contributes to better ball control and agility. Grip socks are a small yet impactful accessory that addresses a common concern among players, making them a valuable and appreciated gift for young soccer enthusiasts striving for enhanced performance and comfort during their matches and training sessions.

Buy from Amazon

Leg Sleeves

Players wear sleeves to keep the shin guards securely in place during the game. The sleeves help prevent the shin guards from slipping or moving around, ensuring they provide proper protection throughout the match. Sleeves are comfortable for players. They provide a snug fit, reducing the likelihood of irritation or discomfort caused by the shin guards rubbing directly against the skin.

Buy from Storelli

Shoe Dryers

Playing in wet or damp conditions can mean disgusting and smelly cleats. Shoe dryers provide a quick and efficient solution by effectively drying out moisture from the cleats, ensuring they are comfortable, odor-free, and ready for the next game or training session. The convenience of having dry and ready-to-wear cleats, especially during the rainy season, helps young players maintain their focus on the game without the distraction of uncomfortable footwear.

Buy from Amazon

SKLZ Goalshot Training Aid

The SKLZ net does things cones, targets and stand-in goalies can't do: it creates visual focus on the specific zones where players are four times more likely to score. The Goalshot features the four scoring zones where goalies from soccer's top leagues are scored on. It forces players to visualize their shots and automatically blocks shots that are outside the designated scoring zones.

Buy from Amazon

Choosing the perfect gift for a youth soccer player involves combining their love for the sport with items that foster growth and enjoyment. Whether it's personalized gear, skill-building tools, or the innovative Trace A.I. soccer camera, these gifts are sure to make any soccer enthusiast's day. So, gear up, hit the field, and score big with these fantastic gift ideas!