Guide for parents
What gear do kids need for touch?
Touch is one of the cheapest team sports to start. Most of what your child needs is a good pair of shoes.
The essentials
| Gear | Notes | Second-hand? |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Touch shoes or boots with good grip on grass. Check your competition's rules on studs, as many don't allow metal studs. | Yes, a great buy |
| Team shirt | Usually from the club or school team. | Ask your team |
| Shorts and socks | Often in team colours. | Yes |
| Drink bottle | Summer evenings get hot. Name it. | Yes |
| Hat and sunscreen | For warm-ups and the sideline. | Hat yes, sunscreen new |
Buying shoes second-hand
- Check the grip on the sole hasn't worn smooth.
- Look for splits where the upper meets the sole.
- Try them on with sports socks and leave about a thumb's width at the toe.
- Football or rugby boots from winter can work for touch, if your competition allows them.
End of the season
Kids grow out of touch shoes fast. List them on SizeUp and $2 goes to your club or school.
Find touch gear on SizeUp. Second-hand kids touch gear from Kiwi families, or list what they've outgrown for $5.