Goalkeeper kits and protection for young players

Why a young goalkeeper needs padded kit

A goalkeeper falls dozens of times during a session, and a child even more so while learning to dive. On a synthetic pitch, the fall rubs against the skin and causes abrasions; on dry grass or a gym floor, it’s the hips, knees, and elbows that take the impact.

Goalkeeping clothing includes padding in foam at impact points: elbows on the jersey, hips and knees on the trousers, hips on the shorts. Well-protected, the child dares to throw themselves on the ground, which makes all the difference in their learning of the position.

Shirts, trousers, protective gear: the kit piece by piece

Each item has its own page: long or short-sleeved children's goalkeeper shirts, padded children's goalkeeper trousers for synthetic pitches and winter, children's goalkeeper shorts for sunny days, matching children's goalkeeper sets, base layers for underneath, and children's goalkeeper protection for elbows, knees, and hips. Hands are protected with children's goalkeeper gloves, and adult sizes can be found in goalkeeper gear.

Trousers, shorts, or set: which kit for which pitch

The padded goalkeeper trousers at the hips and knees, like the Standard model from Uhlsport in children's size, is the most protective choice, ideal for synthetic pitches and cold weather. The padded shorts, lighter, are suitable for grass and warm days. The goalkeeper shirt, like the Uhlsport Prediction, is preferably chosen with long sleeves and elbow pads to cushion dives.

The sets bring together matching tops and bottoms, like the long-sleeved Progressive set from Uhlsport, the German brand founded in 1948 in Balingen by Karl Uhl. A base layer worn underneath adds warmth and protection against friction.

A colour that distinguishes the goalkeeper on the pitch

The Rules of the game require the goalkeeper to wear a kit that is a different colour than the other players and referees. That’s why goalkeeper shirts are available in bright shades (fluorescent yellow, green, orange, pink) or very dark colours, to match each club's colours.

Plan for two shirts of contrasting colours if your child faces teams with varied kits: the referee may ask them to change before kick-off. Beyond the rules, a bright colour also helps teammates spot their goalkeeper for a back pass under pressure.

Equipping a young goalkeeper at the right time

A goalkeeper kit makes for a highly anticipated gift at Black Friday or for the end-of-year holidays, just before winter training on synthetic pitches. The winter sales then allow for adding a spare pair of trousers, while the French Days in spring and summer sales prepare for the resumption of training. Throughout the year, look out for deals on children's goalkeeper shirts and trousers.

Frequently asked questions

How to choose the size of a junior goalkeeper garment?

Focus on stature rather than age: children’s sizes are often noted in centimeters. The padding should fall exactly on the hips and knees; trousers that are too long will misalign and won’t provide protection, so it’s better not to go too big.

Is a base layer needed under the goalkeeper shirt?

It’s not mandatory, but a long-sleeved base layer keeps muscles warm in winter and reduces friction during dives on synthetic pitches. Some models add padded protection to the elbows.

Can protective foams go in the washing machine?

Yes, generally at low temperature and without fabric softener, with the garment inside out. Avoid tumble drying, which can distort the foams, and let it dry flat: padding that holds its shape stays in place well on the hips and knees.

At what age can a child start playing as a goalkeeper?

From football school, most clubs rotate children in goal to introduce them to the position. Specialisation comes later, but padded kit helps them gain confidence from the very first dives.

Are goalkeeper shorts enough on synthetic pitches?

They protect the hips but leave the knees exposed to abrasions from artificial grass. On synthetic, it’s better to opt for padded trousers, or pair the shorts with goalkeeper knee pads if the child feels too warm in trousers.