Football Is Back: The Ultimate UK Kids’ Football Checklist
Football is back this weekend… are you ready?
The new football season is here. Boots are ready, shin pads are packed, the kit has been washed and the drinks bottle is filled.
But there’s one football essential that’s particularly easy to forget in the rush to get out of the door:
Something warm and waterproof.
Because if there’s one thing we can rely on with British grassroots football, it’s that the weather can change its mind at any moment.
The Ultimate Kids’ Football Checklist
Whether you’re heading to Saturday morning football, Sunday league, midweek training or a grassroots tournament, make sure your young footballer has these essentials packed.
⚽ 1. Football Boots
First things first — the boots.
Make sure they’re suitable for the playing surface and still fit properly. Children can grow surprisingly quickly, so it’s worth checking their boots at the beginning of every season.
And if you’re playing on a wet or muddy UK pitch, having the right boots can make a big difference.
🦵 2. Shin Pads
Shin pads are an essential part of any young footballer’s kit.
Keep them with the boots, socks and kit so they’re not accidentally left behind when you’re rushing out for that early Saturday kick-off.
👕 3. Football Kit
Shirt, shorts and socks — sorted.
But with British weather, it’s always worth considering a spare top or additional layer.
One minute you’re enjoying some September sunshine; the next you’re sheltering from a downpour.
💧 4. Drinks Bottle
A drinks bottle is another football bag essential.
Whether it’s a training session, league match or full-day tournament, make sure your child has plenty of water with them.
❓ 5. The Football Essential British Parents Often Forget
A warm and waterproof layer.
It’s easy to think about what your child needs to play football and forget what they need between games, during warm-ups and while standing around on the sidelines.
British football doesn’t stop because it’s raining.
In fact, rain, wind, cold temperatures and muddy pitches are all part of the grassroots football experience.
A traditional coat can be bulky and awkward to wear over football kit. A kids’ waterproof poncho can be a much more practical solution.
Why Do Young Footballers Need a Waterproof Poncho?
A good football poncho should provide protection from the elements without getting in the way of your child’s football.
Look for something that is:
- Waterproof – essential for wet UK match days
- Warm – ideally with a fleece-lined interior
- Lightweight – easy to keep in a football bag
- Roomy – designed to fit comfortably over football kit
- Easy to put on and take off – particularly useful at tournaments
- Practical – suitable for football, training and other outdoor activities
That’s where Athletherm comes in.
Athletherm: Built for British Football
Athletherm was born from a simple idea: young footballers need to stay warm and dry when they’re not playing.
The Athletherm kids’ waterproof poncho combines a waterproof outer layer with a soft fleece-lined interior, providing protection from the unpredictable British weather.
It features a fixed hood, large front utility pocket and practical poppers that allow the poncho to be adapted for greater freedom of movement.
There are no zips, making it simple to pull on over football kit.
And while it was born on the football sidelines, Athletherm isn’t just for football.
It’s ideal for outdoor sport, school activities, camping, trips to the beach and family adventures.
Perfect for the UK Football Season
From August through to the end of the season, young footballers across the UK can experience just about every type of weather.
Cold morning?
Put the Athletherm on.
Rain starting before kick-off?
Put the Athletherm on.
Wet and windy tournament?
Put the Athletherm on.
Standing on the touchline waiting for the next game?
You get the idea.
Having a warm waterproof layer in the football bag means you’re prepared before the weather changes.
What Should You Pack for Grassroots Football?
Here’s our simple UK football bag checklist:
✓ Football boots
✓ Shin pads
✓ Football kit
✓ Drinks bottle
✓ Warm + waterproof layer
That final item is the one that can easily get forgotten.
But when you’re standing beside a windswept football pitch on a cold, wet Saturday morning, you’ll be glad you remembered it.
Don’t Let the British Weather Stop Play
We can’t control the weather.
We can, however, be prepared for it.
So as the new football season gets underway, make sure your young footballer has everything they need — not just to play the game, but to stay comfortable before, after and between matches.
Football is back. British weather is unpredictable. Be ready for both.
Athletherm — The Fourth Kit Essential.