Gear Basics

Every sport has its own gear list, but the approach is the same: buy what fits, buy what’s needed, and skip the hype until your kid is old enough for it to matter.

Universal Rules of Youth Sports Gear

Fit matters more than brand. A well-fitting $30 glove beats a $200 glove that’s too big. This applies to cleats, helmets, sticks, bats — everything.

Buy used first. Kids outgrow gear fast. Facebook Marketplace, Play It Again Sports, and local parent groups are your best friends. Most used gear has been worn for one season and is basically new.

Don’t overbuy early. Your 7-year-old does not need elite-level equipment. Start basic, upgrade as they grow into the sport and you know they’re committed.

Replace safety gear when it’s worn. Helmets, pads, and protective equipment are the one exception to “buy cheap.” Safety gear should fit properly and be in good condition.

Label everything. A piece of tape with your kid’s name inside the bag saves a lot of headaches at practice.

Sport-Specific Gear Guides

Each sport in the network has (or will have) a detailed gear page — what to buy first, what can wait, budget options, and what matters at each level.

⚾ Baseball Gear Gloves, bats, helmets, cleats, bags — and a printable checklist.

🏈 Football Gear Coming soon — cleats, pads, gloves, and what the school provides vs. what you buy.

🚣 Rowing Gear Coming soon — unisuits, erg accessories, and what the club typically provides.

🥍 Lacrosse Gear Coming soon — sticks, heads, pads, helmets, and field vs. box equipment differences.

Gear bag checklist template coming soon. A printable, sport-customizable gear bag checklist that you can tape inside the equipment bag.