Knee and elbow pads for young goalkeepers

Knees and elbows: the two areas to protect for a young goalkeeper

During a side dive, the keeper lands on the hip, forearm, and elbow; for a challenge at the feet or a save on the ground, it’s the knees that hit the pitch. For children, these repeated impacts leave bruises and scrapes which eventually discourage them from diving.

The padded knee protectors Rinat, designed for goalkeepers, place cushioning foam in front of the kneecap. The knee and elbow pads Softee protect the two joints with the same logic of flexible support. The aim isn’t to stiffen the movement, but to reduce the impact, so the child retains full freedom of movement.

Pairing protections with the rest of the goalkeeper's kit

The protections combine with the rest of the equipment. Goalkeeper trousers already include padding at the hips and knees, just like some children's goalkeeper shirts have elbow padding. Goalkeeper baselayers keep the knee pads in place, and goalkeeper shorts are worn over the top. For a complete outfit, goalkeeper sets are ready to wear. The entire world of the young keeper is gathered in the children's goalkeeper equipment, and teenagers transition to adult goalkeeper protections.

Separate protections or integrated padding in the outfit

There are two approaches. The integrated padding, sewn into goalkeeper trousers, shorts, or shirts, never shifts and isn’t forgotten in the changing room, but it requires wearing that specific garment. The separate protection, knee pads or elbow pads, can be worn under any outfit, including the club shirt, and can be moved from one outfit to another.

For a child playing on grass, knee pads alone under a short are often enough. On synthetic or stabilised pitches, combining the two provides the best coverage: padded trousers for the hip, knee pads for absorbing landings on knees. Adjust the level of protection to the surface, not just the age.

Properly fitting a child's knee or elbow pad

An improperly fitted protection rotates on the joint and no longer offers any protection. The pad must be centred on the kneecap or on the tip of the elbow, with the leg and arm bent, without slipping when the child runs or jumps. If the knee pad slides down to the shin after a few minutes, it is too big; if it leaves a red mark at the top of the calf, it is too tight.

Make them try it on with the match kit, as leggings or trousers change the fit. In terms of care, wash knee pads by hand or in a net, at low temperature, and let them air dry: the foam deforms in heat. A collapsed protection should be replaced.

Completing your young goalkeeper's protections throughout the year

Protections wear out and quickly become too small. The Black Friday and holiday season are a great time to add to the sports bag, and sale promotions for children follow in the winter sales during the peak of the frosty season. In spring, the French Days for kids precede the tournaments, followed by summer sales and the restart of training for the new season. Clearance items join the stock clearance, and knee pads are prepared and shipped within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Should a young goalkeeper also wear shin guards?

Yes, the rules require shin guards for all players, including the goalkeeper, under socks that completely cover them. A referee can deny entry to the pitch for a goalkeeper who isn’t wearing them.

Do knee pads slow down a young goalkeeper on their feet?

A well-fitted goalkeeper knee pad is flexible and doesn’t restrict bending. The child takes often one or two sessions to forget about it, after which it doesn’t affect their reaction speed.

Do you need elbow pads if the goalkeeper shirt is already padded?

Not necessarily on grass, where integrated elbows are sufficient. On stabilised or very hard synthetic surfaces, a separate elbow pad under the shirt adds a valuable layer of cushioning for a child who dives a lot.

Can volleyball or handball knee pads be used for goalkeeping?

They protect the kneecap, but their shape is designed for different movements. A knee pad designed for goalkeeping, like the padded Rinat model, better accounts for the lateral landings specific to the position.

When does a young goalkeeper need separate protections?

As soon as they start complaining about bruises on their knees or elbows, or if they regularly play on synthetic or stabilised pitches. It’s better to offer them early: a child who is hurt when falling quickly learns to avoid diving.