Getting your child ready for the beautiful game goes beyond just passion; it requires the right equipment. A complete kids football training kit isn't just about looking the part—it's about ensuring safety, boosting confidence and maximising performance during every practice session and match. From the foundational training top and shorts to essential protective gear like shin guards, each piece plays a vital role. This guide will walk you through the essential components of a well-rounded kit, providing practical advice on what to look for, why it matters and how to choose the best options for your aspiring star.
We'll delve into materials, fit and functionality, helping you make informed decisions that support their development on the pitch. Whether you're a parent new to the sidelines or looking to upgrade your child's gear, this resource is designed to simplify the process. We will detail exactly what your young footballer needs to feel comfortable and play their best, covering everything from boots and base layers to balls and bibs. Consider this your definitive checklist for building the perfect kids football training kit, ensuring they are prepared for every drill, pass and goal.
1. 12 Best Suppliers of Football Training Equipment for 2025
For parents and coaches looking to source the best equipment without the guesswork, this expertly curated guide from SoccerWares is an indispensable starting point. It acts as a comprehensive roadmap, cutting through a crowded market to spotlight the most reliable and effective UK-based suppliers for every component of a kids football training kit. Instead of spending hours comparing dozens of retailers, this resource consolidates the top options into one definitive list.
This guide stands out by blending well-known retailers like Decathlon with specialist suppliers such as Diamond Football and Net World Sports. This approach ensures you can find everything from foundational gear like agility ladders and cones to more advanced tech, including GPS performance trackers. The inclusion of diverse suppliers means it caters to all budgets and levels, whether you are equipping a local youth team or investing in a single aspiring player. The article offers a balanced perspective, making it a truly practical tool for making informed purchasing decisions.
Why It’s Our Featured Choice
This resource excels by providing a strategic overview rather than just a list of products. It helps you build a complete kids football training kit by directing you to the best places to buy specific types of equipment, saving you both time and money.
- Diverse Supplier Mix: It thoughtfully covers major retailers for affordability and specialist stores for pro-grade quality.
- Comprehensive Scope: The guide addresses needs for all levels, from grassroots beginners to serious youth academy players.
- Saves Time and Effort: By vetting and recommending the top 12 suppliers, it simplifies the complex process of sourcing reliable gear.
Website: https://soccerwares.com/blogs/our-blogs/football-training-equipment
2. Decathlon UK
For parents seeking an unbeatable combination of value and variety, Decathlon UK is an essential destination for building a complete kids football training kit. Its own-brand, KIPSTA, provides affordable gear that stands up surprisingly well to the rigours of regular training and weekend matches. The website is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to filter by age, sport and even weather conditions, making it simple to find precisely what you need, from base layers for cold mornings to breathable shorts for summer practice.
What truly sets Decathlon apart is its comprehensive, one-stop-shop approach. You can equip your child from head to toe, including boots, socks and training aids, without breaking the bank. While it lacks the big brand names, the quality of its KIPSTA range offers fantastic performance for the price, making it ideal for young players who are still growing. Their clear product descriptions and customer reviews provide honest insight before you buy. For more details on team-specific apparel, you can find a helpful guide on what to look for in junior football kits for teams.
- Best for: Parents looking for affordable, durable and comprehensive training wear.
- Standout Feature: The KIPSTA in-house brand, which offers excellent value for money.
- Link: Decathlon UK
3. Sports Direct
For parents wanting to kit out their young footballers in the biggest brand names, Sports Direct is often the first port of call. It offers a massive inventory of kids' football training kit from industry giants like Nike, adidas and PUMA. The platform is a goldmine for finding specific training tops, shorts, tracksuits and base layers that mirror what professional players wear, making it a hit with children who want to emulate their heroes on the pitch. The sheer scale of its collection means you can find gear for every possible weather condition and training requirement.
Navigating the website is straightforward, with clear categories for different types of clothing and equipment. The main draw is the frequent sales and promotions, which can make premium branded gear significantly more affordable. While the vast selection is a huge advantage, customer service experiences can sometimes be inconsistent. However, with a strong online presence and numerous physical stores, it provides flexible shopping options for parents across the UK, allowing you to either browse online or let your child try items on in-store.
- Best for: Finding branded training gear from top names like Nike and adidas at discounted prices.
- Standout Feature: An extensive range of official and branded products, often available in sales.
- Link: Sports Direct
4. adidas UK
For young players who want to train like their heroes, adidas UK is the ultimate destination for authentic and high-performance gear. The platform offers official kids football training kit collections from the world’s biggest clubs and national teams, allowing your child to wear the same badge as their idols. The website is sleek and easy to navigate, with clear categories for kits, footwear and accessories. A standout feature is the use of advanced fabric technologies like AEROREADY, which manages moisture to keep young athletes comfortable and focused during demanding sessions.
What really distinguishes adidas is the guarantee of premium quality and authenticity that comes with buying directly from the manufacturer. While the price point is higher than unbranded alternatives, the durability and professional-grade feel provide excellent value for dedicated players. You can find the latest season's gear, ensuring your child is always kitted out in the most current designs. For those looking to add a special touch, many items offer a personalisation service, perfect for making a training top feel uniquely their own.
- Best for: Young players wanting official, high-quality team apparel and performance wear.
- Standout Feature: Access to authentic club and national team kits featuring advanced AEROREADY technology.
- Link: adidas UK
5. Nike UK
For parents of young players who dream of emulating their heroes, Nike UK offers premium, high-performance training gear that mirrors what the professionals wear. The website provides direct access to the latest club and national team kits, featuring advanced Dri-FIT technology designed to wick sweat away and keep kids comfortable and focused during intense drills. While it sits at a higher price point, the investment translates into superior quality, durability and the authenticity of wearing an official brand product.
The platform is sleek and easy to navigate, allowing you to shop by team, player or specific training apparel categories like tops, shorts and tracksuits. This makes creating a coordinated and high-quality kids football training kit straightforward. Many of their products also incorporate sustainable materials, which is a significant plus for environmentally-conscious families. For a full team setup, you can learn more about the benefits of using distinct colours in football training vests to organise practice sessions effectively.
- Best for: Young players who want official team apparel and high-performance gear.
- Standout Feature: Dri-FIT technology and access to the latest official club and national team kits.
- Link: Nike UK
6. Pro:Direct Soccer
When it comes to sourcing elite-level gear, Pro:Direct Soccer is the online destination for serious young footballers and parents who want the very best. As a specialist retailer, their expertise shines through in a curated selection of kids football training kit from leading brands like Nike, adidas and Puma. The website offers an unparalleled range of the latest season’s training wear, often including exclusive colourways and limited-edition items you simply won't find elsewhere, making it perfect for kids who want to emulate their professional idols.
What distinguishes Pro:Direct Soccer is its focus on performance and authenticity. You can easily find the exact training tops, shorts and tracksuits worn by players in the Premier League and beyond. The detailed product descriptions and comprehensive sizing guides are incredibly helpful for ensuring a perfect fit, which is crucial for comfort and performance on the pitch. While prices reflect the premium nature of the brands, the quality is exceptional, ensuring the kit withstands demanding, regular use. It's the ideal choice for dedicated players looking to elevate their game with professional-grade apparel.
- Best for: Young players who want authentic, high-performance training wear from top-tier brands.
- Standout Feature: Access to exclusive releases and an extensive range of elite-level football gear.
- Link: Pro:Direct Soccer
7. Kitlocker
For teams, clubs and schools looking to create a unified and professional look, Kitlocker is an outstanding resource. It specialises in customisable teamwear, making it the perfect platform for kitting out an entire squad with a cohesive kids football training kit. The website partners with major brands like Nike and adidas, allowing you to build bespoke bundles that include everything from training tops and tracksuits to full match kits, all with options for adding club badges, player initials and sponsor logos. The interface is designed to simplify bulk ordering, offering clear pricing tiers and a streamlined customisation process.
What truly elevates Kitlocker is its ability to bridge the gap between individual purchases and large-scale team supply. While it excels at outfitting entire teams, it’s also a great option for parents wanting high-quality, branded training wear with a personalised touch. The customisation can mean slightly longer delivery times compared to off-the-shelf retailers, but the result is a professional-grade kit that fosters team spirit. As you complete the kit, don't forget essential accessories; you can read about the importance of good quality shin guard straps to ensure safety and comfort.
- Best for: Teams, clubs and individuals seeking branded, customisable training wear.
- Standout Feature: Extensive personalisation options for team kits from major brands like Nike and adidas.
- Link: Kitlocker
8. JD Sports
For parents whose children are inspired by their footballing heroes, JD Sports is the go-to destination for branded training apparel. The platform excels at stocking the latest training ranges from top-tier clubs and international teams, allowing young players to emulate their favourite stars during practice. You can find high-quality tracksuits, training tops and shorts from leading manufacturers like Nike, adidas and PUMA, ensuring your child wears gear that is both stylish and built for performance. The website is modern and easy to navigate, with frequent promotions and exclusive product drops that appeal to brand-conscious youngsters.
What makes JD Sports a strong contender is its seamless blend of a kids football training kit with everyday sportswear, along with a vast network of physical stores. This means you can easily check sizes in person or handle returns conveniently. While it doesn't offer bespoke teamwear or extensive training equipment, its focus on premium, officially licensed apparel is unmatched. It’s the perfect place to find a motivational piece of kit that will have your child excited for their next training session.
- Best for: Young players who want to train in the official gear of their favourite clubs and brands.
- Standout Feature: A wide selection of exclusive and official branded training wear from major teams.
- Link: JD Sports
9. Under Armour UK
For parents prioritising technical performance and durability, Under Armour UK is a go-to destination. The brand is renowned for its innovative fabric technologies, making its gear a premium choice for any kids football training kit. The website is sleek and focuses on the athletic benefits of each product, clearly explaining features like HeatGear fabric for moisture-wicking in hot weather and ColdGear for retaining warmth during winter training sessions. This focus on performance ensures young players remain comfortable and can concentrate fully on their game.
Under Armour excels in creating high-quality base layers, compression wear and training tops that are built to withstand intense activity. While the selection is not as broad as a multi-brand retailer, every item is designed with the athlete in mind, offering a superior fit and robust construction. The platform’s detailed product descriptions and size guides help ensure you select the correct gear for your growing child. This makes it a top choice for essential, performance-driven pieces that form the core of a training wardrobe.
- Best for: Parents seeking high-performance, technical apparel for serious young players.
- Standout Feature: Innovative fabric technologies like HeatGear and ColdGear for temperature regulation.
- Link: Under Armour UK
10. PUMA UK
For young players who admire the style and performance of top professionals, PUMA UK offers an impressive selection of high-quality kids football training kit. The brand excels in merging cutting-edge sportswear technology with stylish, modern designs that appeal directly to children. You can find everything from moisture-wicking training jerseys and shorts to durable tracksuits, often mirroring the gear worn by PUMA-sponsored athletes and major clubs like Manchester City and AC Milan. This direct link to professional teams makes the apparel highly desirable for aspiring young footballers.
The website provides a premium user experience, with clean navigation and high-resolution imagery that showcases the product quality. While the price point is higher than unbranded alternatives, purchasing directly from PUMA guarantees authenticity and access to the latest season's collections. The focus on performance materials ensures the kit is not just fashionable but also comfortable and built to withstand demanding training sessions, making it a solid investment for serious young players.
- Best for: Parents looking for premium, stylish and high-performance training wear from a leading brand.
- Standout Feature: Official training apparel inspired by PUMA's top-tier sponsored clubs and athletes.
- Link: PUMA UK
11. New Balance UK
For parents whose children admire New Balance-sponsored clubs and players, the official New Balance UK website is the go-to destination for authentic, high-performance gear. The platform offers a focused selection of kids football training kit essentials, directly inspired by the apparel worn by professional athletes. This ensures that every item, from training tops to shorts, is engineered with performance fabrics like NB DRY technology, designed to wick moisture away and keep young players comfortable and focused on the pitch.
While its range isn't as broad as a multi-brand retailer, New Balance excels in quality and authenticity. Purchasing directly guarantees you are getting genuine products that meet high manufacturing standards, built to endure demanding training schedules. The website is sleek and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly find junior sizes and the latest teamwear collections. It's the perfect choice for kitting out a young player in the same high-calibre gear as their footballing heroes.
- Best for: Young players who want authentic, high-quality gear from specific New Balance-sponsored teams.
- Standout Feature: Access to official club training wear made with performance-enhancing NB DRY technology.
- Link: New Balance UK
12. Amazon UK
For sheer breadth of choice and convenience, Amazon UK is an undeniable force in the market for a kids football training kit. The platform aggregates countless brands and third-party sellers, offering everything from official club merchandise to unbranded, budget-friendly training wear. Its powerful search and filtering tools allow you to narrow down options by size, colour, brand and price, making it relatively easy to navigate the enormous catalogue of products available for immediate dispatch.
The primary advantage of Amazon is its competitive pricing and the wealth of customer reviews, which provide invaluable real-world feedback on the fit, durability and quality of different items. However, shoppers need to be discerning, as the quality and authenticity can vary significantly between sellers. For parents, the convenience of Prime delivery is a major draw, especially for last-minute needs. By carefully reading reviews and checking seller ratings, you can find excellent deals on quality gear, making Amazon a go-to for its unparalleled selection and fast shipping options.
- Best for: Parents prioritising a vast selection, competitive pricing and fast delivery.
- Standout Feature: An enormous range of brands and price points with extensive customer reviews.
- Link: Amazon UK
Top 12 Kids Football Training Kit Suppliers Comparison
| Supplier | Core Features & Selection | User Experience & Quality ★★★★☆ | Value & Price 💰 | Target Audience 👥 | Unique Selling Points ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Best Suppliers | UK's top suppliers, from basic gear to advanced tech | Trusted guide with vetted, quality suppliers | Caters to varied budgets | Players & coaches (all levels) | Curated, expert recommendations 🏆 |
| Decathlon UK | Affordable KIPSTA gear, wide clothing range | User-friendly, durable in-house brand | Budget-friendly 💰💰 | Beginners & growing kids | One-stop-shop value |
| Sports Direct | Branded kits (Nike, adidas, etc.) at a discount | Wide selection, but mixed service reviews | Competitive pricing 💰 | All levels, brand-conscious buyers | Frequent sales, online & physical stores |
| adidas UK | Official kits, tech fabrics like AEROREADY | High-quality, authentic items | Premium pricing 💰💰💰 | Fans wanting official club gear | Performance fabrics, personalisation options |
| Nike UK | Official kits with Dri-FIT tech | Durable, authentic & high-performance | Premium pricing 💰💰💰 | Performance-focused youth players | Sustainable materials, latest season drops |
| Pro:Direct Soccer | Specialist retailer with exclusive items | Expertly curated, performance-focused | Premium items 💰💰 | Serious players, from grassroots to pro | Exclusive stock & specialist knowledge |
| Kitlocker | Customisable team kits, bulk ordering | Streamlined process for team orders | Great bulk value 💰💰 | Teams needing personalisation | Custom kits from top brands |
| JD Sports | Branded sportswear for training & casual wear | Modern site, physical & online stores | Moderate pricing 💰 | Young players wanting popular brands | Exclusive products & promotions |
| Under Armour UK | Performance gear with innovative fabrics | High-quality, durable materials | Mid-to-high price 💰💰 | Athletes focused on performance | Temperature-regulating technology |
| PUMA UK | Stylish & durable official kits | High-quality, authentic gear | Premium pricing 💰💰💰 | Youth players wanting style & comfort | Major team sponsorships, trendy designs |
| New Balance UK | Official kits with a focus on comfort | Authentic, durable products | Moderate premium 💰💰 | Fans & players seeking NB quality | Focus on comfort, sponsored teams |
| Amazon UK | Vast range from countless sellers | Quality varies, customer reviews are key | Wide price range 💰 | All buyers, from budget to premium | Unbeatable convenience, fast delivery |
Ready for the Pitch: Bringing It All Together
Navigating the world of football equipment can feel as challenging as a high-stakes penalty shootout. We've explored a dozen of the UK's top suppliers, from sports retail giants like Decathlon and Sports Direct to iconic brands such as adidas and Nike, and specialised outlets like Pro:Direct Soccer. Each offers a unique blend of value, quality and selection, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every young player's needs and every parent's budget.
The journey to assembling the ultimate kids football training kit is more than just a shopping trip; it's an investment in your child's passion, safety and development. It’s about understanding that the right base layer can keep them warm during a frosty Saturday morning session, and that correctly-fitted shin guards provide the confidence to tackle boldly. This isn't just about buying gear; it's about building a foundation for success and enjoyment on the pitch.
Key Takeaways for Building the Perfect Kit
To make the process as straightforward as possible, keep these core principles in mind as you select each component:
- Prioritise Function Over Fashion: While a Premier League replica kit is exciting, the most crucial elements are those that enhance performance and protection. Focus first on the quality of materials, the fit of the boots and the durability of the training wear.
- Adaptability is Key: A comprehensive kids football training kit should be versatile. Layering is your best strategy. A combination of a moisture-wicking training top, a quarter-zip mid-layer and a waterproof jacket will prepare your child for the unpredictable British weather.
- Don't Skimp on Safety: Shin guards and appropriate, well-fitting football boots are non-negotiable. Ensure they meet safety standards and are the correct size to prevent injury and provide maximum support during play.
- Consider the Player's Level: A child just starting out with a local grassroots team won't need the same elite-level, high-tech gear as a youth academy prospect. Match the equipment to their current needs and commitment level to avoid unnecessary expense.
Ultimately, building the right kit is a strategic process. By using the insights from our supplier breakdown, you can confidently choose where to invest your money, whether you're seeking the best value from a retailer like Amazon UK or brand-specific innovation from Puma or Under Armour. The goal is to equip your young footballer with everything they need to train hard, play with confidence and, most importantly, foster a lifelong love for the beautiful game.
Ready to find high-quality gear that blends performance with the pride of their favourite club? Explore the curated collections at SoccerWares for officially inspired training apparel, equipment and fan merchandise. Visit SoccerWares today to kit out your young star and fuel their footballing dreams.