1. Sports bag: Every player should have their own sports bag. This bag should be big enough to hold everything he or she needs to take to a football game or training.  Football jumper, football boots, shorts, socks, mouthguard, drinks bottles, towel and something to eat.


2. Football boots: Children’s feet grow and most likely, you are going to have purchase a NEW pair of football boots prior to the season starting.  The shop will have a large range of boots. Just because some boots are colourful and LOOK fantastic, doesn’t mean they’re the right football boot for your child.  Ensure your child tries on the boots in the shop, does the laces up nice and tight and walks around in them. The longer you have them on in the shop, the better.  If for any reason, they don’t feel right, or if the child can feel the football studs with the soles of their feet, then don’t buy them. Comfortable, good fitting boots are a must…


3. Mouthguard: Most football codes now request that all players have a mouthguard. Mouthguards come in various colours and sizes, and can cost a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.  They can be purchased at chemists, sports stores, dentists, and there are also businesses that specifically just mould mouthguards for the individual. If you are in a medical fund, you may be able to claim some of the cost back. Children who wear braces can still play football.  If your son or daughter has braces, a mouthguard should be specially moulded for them.


4. Stay hydrated: Ensure that packed in your child’s sports bag is around 1 litre of water or a sports drink.


5. Training football: If you play Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League or Aussie Rules football. There is a range of training balls that have hit the market. The training balls will allow a player to practice at home, in the park and they don’t need a friend or parent to play with. Develop and hone your child’s Football SKILLs FAST. You will be amazed how quickly their reaction time, hand/eye co-ordination and their football skills improve. Check out the training footballs at www.trainingball.com.au


6. Hand grip: Hand grip is used by professional football players. It’s one of their tricks of the trade that you need to know about. Hand grip works really well on wet days and on a hot, dry and dusty day when using a new ball.  It gives a player a greater chance of marking or catching a football. Apply a little hand grip prior to the start of a game, apply it again at half time. You will be amazed how many more catches or marks they can hold. I recommend Wilgrip by Henselite.Wilgrip comes in 500ml (430g) tin’s at around $30.00 or 15ml Tube $4.00


7. Sunscreen: Most football games are played in the winter months. However, the sun is still harsh and sunscreen should be applied.  Depending on the age of your child, they can be exposed to the sun for 1 to 2 hours during training or the game.


8. Coaches: Some coaches may only have a limited knowledge about their football code.   Remember they are freely volunteering their time.  He/she may only know a few drills.  Players can quickly get bored and lose interest if the coach can’t stimulate their players. You may begin to notice this yourself.   Help the coach out, do some research and find some new coaching drills and exercises. Then (respectfully) approach the coach with the drills.


9. Team Registration. For all codes of football, player registrations commence at least 1 – 2 months prior to the season starting. To ensure your child gets in their desired team, ensure you register your child early, or attend the registration days.


10. Parent Tips

Tip No 1: Remember to ensure your child brings home their sport’s bag after training and after each match or game.
Tip No 2: Players often leave their football boots in the changing room after the game. Ensure your child has them prior to leaving the ground.

Enjoy Season 2010
Greg Goodieson
www.trainingball.com.au