French Days : football equipment and accessories

Shin guards, ankle supports and knee pads: protecting yourself on the pitch

Shin guards are the only required protection under the Rules of the game: they must fit the player's size and be fully covered by socks. Lightweight models like the Mercurial Lite from Nike slip into a sleeve, and a Guard Stay attachment keeps them from moving around during the match.

For fragile joints, the Active ankle support from Select stabilizes a previously sprained ankle, the elbow brace with splints from the same brand protects the elbow, and compression knee pads from Hummel, in either short or long versions, support the knee during exertion.

Other categories available during the French Days

The equipment complements the rest of the operation. Goalkeepers go to Goalkeeper Gloves for their pairs and to Goalkeeper Equipment for their padded kit. Studs can be found under Football Boots, club and national team jerseys under Teams, and all junior sizes under Children. Find the complete range on French Days.

Sports bag, backpack or trolley: carrying your kit

The choice of bag depends on what you bring to each session. The backpack, like the Team from Mizuno or the Essential from Hummel, is enough for boots, a kit and a water bottle, leaving your hands free on a bike or in transport. The classic sports bag, such as the Core from Hummel or the boarding bag from Macron, can hold all the gear for a weekend tournament.

For long journeys, the Team Trolley from Hummel adds wheels, which is handy for a goalkeeper carrying several pairs of gloves and a change of kit. Also look for a separate compartment for dirty shoes, which prevents mixing mud with clean clothes.

Educator's equipment to run the training

A training session can be prepared with a few simple tools. Boundary discs, sold in packs of twenty-four from Erima, quickly mark out a ball control area or a small game. The tactical board Futsal from Precision is used to explain a placement at half-time, and a speed radar like that from Carrington turns a shooting drill into a challenge that motivates young players.

For group dynamics, consider the captain's armband Jako: a simple armband remains compliant as long as it only says captain or the letter C. The Carrier water bottle pack from Select, with its water bottle holder, prevents players from sharing their bottles.

Renewing your equipment at the right time of year

Accessories wear out unexpectedly: a bag zipper that breaks, socks with holes, shin guards that have become too small. Black Friday and the year-end holidays are an opportunity to replenish a player's gear, and the winter sales are the time to replace what has given out mid-season. The spring French Days and summer sales help prepare for the next season, just before training resumes when educators renew cones and vests. End-of-line bags and accessories join the Clearance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose the size of your shin guards?

The shin guard should cover most of the shin, a few centimetres above the ankle up to just below the knee. Most brands indicate their sizes based on the player's stature: refer to their guide rather than age.

How do you clean a sports bag that smells bad?

Empty it after each session and leave it open to dry. Wiping it down with warm soapy water, then air drying, is enough for most bags; a sachet of bicarbonate in the shoe compartment helps limit odours.

Is an ankle support enough to play again after a sprain?

It helps stabilize the joint during recovery, but does not replace rehabilitation. After a sprain, get advice from a doctor or physiotherapist before playing again, and wear the ankle support during the return-to-play phase.

How many discs should you prepare for a session with young players?

About twenty discs allow you to set up two stations or a small playing field. A pack of twenty-four covers most sessions; educators running multiple stations often prepare two, in different colours to clearly separate the areas.

Does a compression knee pad protect against impacts?

No, it provides support and warmth to the joint through compression, but it does not absorb impacts like a padded knee guard does. For taking falls, it's better to have protection with foam over the kneecap.