August is just a few days and away, and football season is even that much closer. Final preparations are being made before camp, as teams and players look to be ready to hit the ground running at the sound of the first whistle. Part two of our 2017 Youth Football Equipment Review takes a look at some of the other gear you might decide to upgrade before the season starts. We covered the essential protection in part one with the helmet, shoulder pads, back plate, and rib protector. But we’ll turn our attention to base layers protection, footwear, and other accessories for this installment. While some of these items may not be as important when it comes to protecting a players, they can be the difference maker when it comes to performance.
Girdle – Sports Unlimited 5-Pad Integrated Girdle 2.0
As one of the most popular items in the Sports Unlimited football apparel line, the integrated football girdle has been redesigned and taken to a new level for 2017. The use of an integrated girdle has become a staple in most football player’s equipment bags. A newly added lightweight foam with zig-zag pattern has improved the range of motion without sacrificing any protection. Complete coverage is offered with its 5-Pad system, shielding the hips, thighs, and tailbones from heavy impacts. Its compression fit keeps the pads in place, making sure they are in the right place at the right time. The SU girdle also comes with a pocket for a cup if you wanted to add some extra protection. Works great for youth football, including flag football players that want some addition protection on the field.
Padded Shirt – McDavid Rival Pro 5-Pad Integrated Shirt
Known for making gear that protects better than the rest, the Rival Pro 5-Pad Integrated Shirt from McDavid follows their long tradition. This protective under shirt allows players at any position to give themselves some additional protection, without limiting their mobility. Its 5-Pads cover the area most susceptible to hits, including the shoulders, spine, and ribs. Made from EVA foam, the Flex Air padding was designed with multi-directional vented flex channels for increase air flow to keep you cool. The bio-shape design and compression fit keep the pads in place underneath the shoulder pads. The McDavid Rival Pro Padded Shirt makes for a reliable inclusion to any players game day gear.
Cleats – Under Armour C1N MC JR
Few players in the game can perform as well as Cam Newton does in the spotlight. But thanks to Under Armour, you can get off on the right foot by lacing up his signature cleats, the C1N MC Jr. These youth football cleats let every player feel like they can take on anything that comes at them on the football field. A mold cleat base provides great traction when making turns and cuts. A compression fit sleeve makes these feel light on your feet, and the reinforced upper offers support and breathability. Have your future star stand out with the new Under Armour Cam Newton youth football cleats.
Receiver Gloves – Adidas Adifast 2.0
Build catching confidence from the first practice with the Adidas Adifast 2.0 youth receiver gloves. Designed to make bringing in the ball easier than ever, the scaled down version of the professional gloves give every youth football player an advantage. The palm features the exclusive Adidas GRIPTACK design that help you make the tough catches in any weather. A compression fit is achieved with the a Honeycomb thumb and molded rubber tab, keeping the glove secure and in place. Stand out on the field with both style and performance with the Adidas Adifast 2.0 football gloves.
Visor – Nike Gridiron Youth Eyeshield
No piece of equipment has seen its popularity grow over the years more than the football visor. It seems more players have visors every year, and youth football is no exception. While the style can be appreciated by most, the additional protection cannot be denied. The Nike Gridiron Eyeshield provides players an extra layer of defense from the perils of tackle football. The Nike Max Optics design features a wrapped lens that reduces distortion, giving you a clear view in every direction. The curved shape allows it to fit most helmets, and its polycarbonate construction is scratch and shatter resistant. See the game better than ever with the Nike Gridiron football visor.
Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited