First timers guide to playing football – What you need to get started

We only have a couple of short months before the football season is back, on our screens and for playing. But if you’ve always been more of an armchair athlete, then you might decide that this year you want to get into it all a little more. But do you know where to start when it comes to football? Do you need special equipment or a certain level of fitness?

It is important to note that football is a very welcoming and inclusive environment, so you shouldn’t feel like you won’t fit on or won’t be good enough to play. But here, all of your questions will be answered. Here’s to the next season of football.

Clothing and Equipment

If you’re new to the sport, you might be wondering why everyone looks so bulky under their jerseys. And as you might imagine, due to the nature of the game, there is going to be a certain level of padding needed to protect yourself as you play. If you’re creating a team of your own, then you could look to get some custom football uniforms so that you all look the same; you could even get nicknames added. But there are plenty of places to get football kit if you just need some generic items.

While you can’t get away without wearing it (it is mandatory), you wouldn’t want to, as you can have some collisions or impact as you play.

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The equipment that you’ll need for playing are:

• Helmet – As you might imagine, the helmet is going to be one of the most important pieces of equipment that you do need to play. Having a face mask is mandatory, and a visor is optional. So try a few on and see what you prefer. Jaw pads can also be worn with the helmet to help prevent against concussion.
• Neck collar – these are used for whiplash protection, and are generally worn by defensive players and linebackers.
• Jockstrap and cup – these are also another mandatory part of football. So make sure that you get the before you start playing. You’ll be glad that you did!
• Mouth guard – these are known for protecting mouths and teeth, but they can also help to protect against head injuries when there has been an impact. They are also a mandatory piece, and need to be worn during play. Sometimes, helmets come with a mouthguard attached.
• Pads for knees, thighs, and hips – these are pretty self-explanatory. They are used to protect your body and give it an extra layer of cushioning, should you come into contact with others.
• Shoulder pads – again, these are a must, and are what give the players their large and bulky look. There are two different types; cantilevered and flat. The former are better if you’re likely to face a number of collisions, with the latter mainly used for quarterbacks, as they have slightly restricted movement.
• Gloves – while these are not mandatory, they can be useful for catching the ball in cooler weather of the football season.