Travelling for an away match in football is always an exciting part of the season, as you travel to new grounds and play on some interesting pitches. This, however, can quickly become stressful if your team isn’t adequately prepared.
Whether you’re a grassroots side just starting out in a local league or a more established club, knowing exactly what to pack for matchday is essential. From the mandatory kit and match balls to personal items that keep players comfortable before and after the game, having the right equipment and football accessories ensures smooth organisation and better performance on the pitch.
In this guide, we highlight the essential equipment for an away match in football, including items for players, coaches, and clubs, so you can focus on the football rather than last-minute panics.
Essential matchday equipment and kit for an away game
- Football kit
- Footballs
- Football pumps
- A football tactics board
- Football water bottles
- Football cones
- Training bibs
- First aid kit
Football kit
When you are preparing for an away match, the most important item that you need to remember to bring to the game is the football kit. You need to ensure that you have enough equipment for every player on your team and that it is the correct kit.
Clubs should check that all outfield players have matching shirts, shorts, and socks, while the goalkeepers have their own distinctive kit to comply with league regulations.
No matter whether you are the manager, coach or the kitman, it’s vital that all of the kit is packed for an away game. It is also important that football training bibs are packed as these are useful items to use in the warm-up for different team exercises, and they can also be used by the substitutes.
Shin pads must be worn in all competitive matches, so teams should confirm that every player has a pair before leaving, as well as a suitable pair of football boots that fit the surface on which they will be playing. If you are playing on a 3G or 4G surface or firm ground, players must wear moulded studs; if playing on softer ground, players must wear studs.
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Footballs
Although the home team is responsible for providing the footballs for the match, all away teams need to bring several balls for the warm-up and pre-match drills, as well as for the substitutes to use during the half-time break.
Without any footballs for an away game, it means players are unable to prepare properly, and coaches and managers cannot run through their normal warm-up exercises. This can have a big impact on the performance of the team.
Before you travel to the away game, the condition of the footballs should be checked. Below are some checks you should make:
- Ensure balls are inflated.
- Make sure that the footballs are the right size (size five for ages 15 and above, size four for ages 11-14, size three for ages 7-10, and size two for players under 5 years old).
- Check that they are in good condition and there aren’t cuts or worn panels on any of the balls.
Football pumps
Even the best footballs can lose pressure and air when they are being used a lot or whilst you are travelling to an away match.
Bringing a football pump to an away match is an essential piece of equipment as it ensures all balls are kept at the right pressure throughout the day.
Coaches should check that all the footballs they are bringing are pumped up before leaving for the match, again when the team arrives at the ground, and before the warm-up starts.
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A football tactics board
A football tactics board is a great tool to help a manager or a coach clearly communicate their plan to the players.
The boards enable coaches to display formations, demonstrate set-piece routines, and assist with team talks before, during, and after an away game. Bringing a magnetic or wipe-clean board ensures instructions can be explained visually, making them easier for players to absorb.
The football tactics boards sold at Diamond Football come in various shapes and sizes, with smaller boards available for taking to away games.
Football water bottles
Players staying hydrated is crucial, as it is directly linked to improving performance. Every team playing an away match should have plenty of football water bottles available for their players.
On long journeys and when the weather is hot, water bottles are especially important as dehydration is more likely. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramp so there are lots of good reasons to have water on hand during an away game.
There are several different options available; you can purchase individual football water bottles, bottle sets, water bottle carriers and accessories. The accessories include water bottle tags that fit over the drink bottle and include the player’s squad number.
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Football cones
Football cones are regularly used in training sessions to set up different drills, but they are also a vital piece of matchday equipment. They are used for drills during the warm-up, to set up fitness exercises and for tactical routines before kick-off.
Having enough cones will help coaches to create organised and effective drills that will keep players sharp and focused before the referee's whistle blows.
Football cones come in a range of shapes, sizes, and bright colours, and below are some of the different types that you can buy:
Training bibs
Training bibs are an essential bit of kit for an away match in football as they have multiple uses. They are great to use in the warm-up ahead of kick-off, especially if you have drills such as rondos and keep ball with two teams.
Referees and match officials will ask that substitutes and players warming up wear bibs to distinguish themselves from those on the pitch.
First Aid Kit
It doesn’t matter if you work at Manchester United as a physio or you are a physio at a grassroots club; a non-negotiable item that must be brought to all away games is a well-stocked first aid kit, with medical equipment.
From plasters and bandages to deep heat and ice packs, a first aid kit will mean that minor injuries can be treated immediately should an injury occur during the game.
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Frequently Asked Questions about football equipment for away matches
What equipment is mandatory for football clubs on matchday?
Equipment that is mandatory for football clubs for an away game is:
- Full team kit (football shirts, shorts, socks, and a goalkeeper's kit)
- Footballs
- First aid kit
- Football bibs
- Football cones
What medical equipment should a football manager or physio bring?
A first aid kit should include bandages, tape, cold spray, ice packs, antiseptic wipes, and plasters. Many clubs also carry a stretcher or trauma bag, particularly in professional games.
What additional matchday equipment helps managers and coaches stay organised?
Useful extras include a tactics board, clipboards, notebooks, substitution boards, and stopwatches. These tools help managers and coaches monitor performance, record stats, and make substitutions efficiently.
Do football managers need to bring paperwork to an away game?
Managers should always carry team sheets, player registrations, and proof of ID if required by the league. Having this documentation ready ensures that fixtures run smoothly and avoids fines or disqualification due to incomplete administration.
Equipment you need for an away match in football
There is a range of essential items for an away match day in football. Ensuring that you have equipment like a first aid kit, cones, bibs, and a tactics board can help coaches, teams, and players achieve top-level performance.
If you want to train like the professionals, our football training equipment list is the best place to start.
Shop now with Diamond Football to explore our comprehensive selection of football training gear and equip your team for success.
