Preparing for a home game involves more than just ensuring your team is ready to play. You also need to make sure your club has all the necessary football match equipment to host the game smoothly, ensuring player safety and providing a good experience for spectators and away teams. There’s a lot to remember and to organise, but that’s why we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we cover all the essential football game equipment you'll need for a successful home match.
Team equipment
Footballs
A match day will require you to have several high-quality footballs available. Ensure you have at least a few FIFA-approved match balls for the game itself, plus extra training balls for pre-match warm-ups. Before match day arrives, ensure that all balls are in good condition and have been checked for the correct air pressure.
Ball pump and needles
It is essential to make sure that the footballs you have ready for match day are inflated to the correct pressure. A football pump and spare needles are, therefore, must-have items. Ensure items like this are easily accessible in case there are any last-minute issues before kick-off.
Tactic boards
Football tactics boards are another essential piece of equipment to have ready for home and away matches. Managers and coaches utilise these handy tools to share the starting lineup and to go through the formation and tactics with the players. Place a tactic board in both sets of changing rooms so home and away teams can utilise them.
Player kit
Shirts, shorts, and socks
For a match to go ahead, your team will need a complete kit to wear, comprising shirts, shorts, and socks. Your team’s kit should sport your club’s colours and badge. Goalkeepers should have a distinctive kit from outfield players, including gloves and padded shorts for added protection. It’s also a good idea to have spare kit on hand in case of unforeseen issues before or during the game.
Shin pads
Shin pads are mandatory for player safety, and they must fit comfortably under the player’s socks. Before game day arrives, ensure every player has a pair of shin pads to comply with regulations and avoid injuries. Consider having a few spare pairs of shin pads available, just in case.
Boots
It is important that players wear boots that are appropriate for the ground conditions. Studs are ideal for soft, muddy pitches, while moulded football boots are better suited for firm ground. Make sure your players have the right boots in their kit bag to prevent slips and enhance their performance.
Training and warm-up gear
Cones and markers
It’s important that players are warmed up sufficiently and are as sharp as possible before kick-off. Football cones and markers are vital for setting up any pre-game drills and warm-up routines. These handy items can make it easy to plan these exercises and organise the space.
Training bibs
Another helpful piece of kit to have available on match day is football training bibs. These can help to distinguish between teams during the warmup and designate substitutes as they get ready on the touchline. So, ensure you have a good number of bibs available.
Resistance bands and stretching mats
To help prevent injuries during the games and to improve flexibility, consider having a set of resistance bands and stretching mats available for use before the match starts. These tools aid in pre-match warm-ups and can also be handy for post-match cool-downs.
READ ALSO: Football workouts to improve your fitness and your game
Matchday essentials
First aid kit
While you hope that it is never needed, it’s vital that a fully stocked football first-aid kit is available for home games. All sorts of scrapes and injuries can occur during a competitive game, so ensure your first-aid kit is well-equipped with essential items like bandages, ice packs, antiseptic, and a defibrillator.
READ ALSO: What should be in a football first aid kit?
Water bottles and hydration
Hydration is a key component of health and safety during football games. So, make sure that you have provided a number of water bottles for players to utilise before, during, and after games. Keep your water bottles in a crate or cage to make storage and distribution easier.
Towels
Players will likely want to shower after the game before heading home if your club has these facilities, so ensure that there are enough towels available for each member of the squad. These can be stored in lockers or changing rooms ready for players to grab if they desire.
Pitch and ground equipment
Goals and nets
When it comes to equipment needed for a football match, no game can go ahead without football goals and nets. Ensure your goals are regulation size and that you have the right football nets for the type of goals at your ground. Check goals and nets regularly for any damage, as good maintenance will help avoid any issues when match day arrives.
Corner flags and poles
Goals and nets aren’t the only important pieces of pitch equipment. Football corner flags are essential for marking the pitch and must be securely positioned. A flag placed in all four corners of the pitch designates the edges of the playing area, giving the referee and players visual guidance.
Line Marking Equipment
Clear pitch markings are vital in fulfilling a function similar to that of corner flags. By using professional line marking equipment, you can ensure boundaries are easily visible. It’s also important to regularly maintain these markings, especially in adverse weather conditions.
READ ALSO: Football pitch preparation: How to get your football pitch match ready
Officials' equipment
Assistant referee flags
High-visibility flags are necessary for the assistant referees as there are numerous instances where assistant referees need to get the attention of the main official. These flags should be in good condition to signal clearly during the game.
Substitution boards
Substitution boards make the changes that are being made clear to players on the pitch and to match officials. You can utilise a manual subs board for a cost-effective solution or go for an electronic substitution board for a more professional touch.
READ ALSO: Essential football referee equipment list
Miscellaneous
Benches
While most of your squad will be active on the field, substitutes and coaching staff will need somewhere to sit during the game (in fact, benches are a requirement for grassroot adult leagues). Install benches or dugouts pitch side for both home and away teams to make use of. This will provide a more comfortable and accommodating environment for all involved.
Scoreboard
A scoreboard can be a very helpful piece of equipment to have available, helping fans, players, and officials to keep track of the score at a glance. Scoreboards should be easily visible for the best match-day experience.
READ ALSO: Football training equipment to use at home
Football game equipment list
- Footballs
- Ball bump and needles
- Football tactics boards
- Shirts, shorts, and socks
- Shin guards
- Boots
- Cones and markers
- Training bibs
- Resistance bands and stretching mats
- First aid kit
- Water bottles
- Towels
- Goals and nets
- Corner flags and poles
- Line marking equipment
- Assistant referee flags
- Substitution boards
- Benches
- Scoreboard
Getting ready for match day and training sessions
Here at Diamond, we offer a wide range of match-day products and football training equipment. Browse our range for whatever you need for the big day or to execute training sessions professionally.
