Kids GAA Gear Buying Guide

Start With The Sport: Football Vs Hurling

The most common slip-up is buying “GAA gear” without checking whether your child is playing Gaelic football, hurling, or both. There’s plenty of overlap, but the priorities aren’t the same.

Gaelic football: Boots, gloves (especially for wet-weather grip), gumshield, socks, and a training kit are usually top of the list.

Hurling: You’ll still want boots, socks, and a solid training kit, but protective gear and sport-specific items tend to matter more. Even if your club has its own rules, a gumshield is still a sensible baseline for contact training and matches.

If you’re not sure, ask the coach or check the club's kit notes before you buy. It’s the easiest way to avoid doubling up — or arriving on the first night with the wrong gear.

Youth GAA Boots: Fit First, Studs Second

Youth GAA boots are where comfort and performance usually start. When the fit is off, it shows quickly: blisters, feet sliding inside the boot on turns, or soreness halfway through a session.

Don’t “buy big” to grow into them: Extra space means less stability, especially when kids are braking, cutting, or landing from a jump.

Check heel hold and midfoot fit: The heel shouldn’t lift when they jog. A snug midfoot helps when they’re changing direction.

Leave a small toe allowance: A little room is fine, but the foot shouldn’t slide forward when they stop.

Stud choice comes down to the ground they’re actually on. Grass pitches are the norm. If your child plays mostly on soft, wet ground, they’ll need reliable traction. If pitches are firmer, an overly aggressive stud can feel uncomfortable. If you’re unsure, go with a versatile grass boot and reassess once you’ve seen the usual conditions at your club.

Gloves: Sizing And Grip For Real Conditions

Gloves are on the standard list for plenty of young footballers — especially once evenings get darker and the rain starts turning training balls into bars of soap. The right fit is what makes them helpful instead of something your child wants to pull off after five minutes.

Aim for snug: You want a neat fit through the palm, with a little space at the fingertips.

If between sizes, size up: This helps avoid tight seams on the fingers and keeps them comfortable over longer sessions.

Prioritise feel over looks: They should be able to open and close the hand easily and catch cleanly, without bunching.

For younger kids, gloves can also help confidence with catching in cold weather, as long as they don’t restrict movement.

Gumshield: The Safety Item People Forget

A gumshield is one of the cheapest things in the bag, and one of the most important. In mixed drills, contact happens fast — an accidental elbow, a clash going for a high ball, or a late bump.

Fit matters: It should sit securely and not need constant biting to keep it in place.

Comfort drives compliance: If it feels bulky or awkward, kids will “forget” it. Choose one they’ll actually wear.

Replace when worn: If it’s split, misshapen, or no longer fits, it’s time for a new one.

Training Kit: Comfort, Breathability, And Washability

A practical training kit for kids needs to handle regular sessions, plenty of mud, and repeated washing without losing shape. Keep it simple and functional.

Training top or half-zip: Handy for warm-ups and colder sessions. Layers are easier than relying on one heavy item.

Shorts and socks: Look for a comfortable waistband, and socks that stay up without cutting into the calf.

Base layers (optional): Useful in winter, but avoid anything too tight or restrictive for younger players.

Before you buy club-branded gear, check colour requirements and what’s allowed on match day versus training. Many clubs are specific about socks, shorts, and jersey styles.

Match Day Essentials: A Simple Bag Checklist

A repeatable routine takes the hassle out of match mornings. The match day essentials for most teams are straightforward.

Boots, GAA socks (plus a spare pair if it’s wet), gloves (for football, especially in rain), a gumshield, jersey and shorts (or whatever your club specifies), a water bottle, and a small spare layer (a light top or jacket).

A dedicated match-day bag also helps kids take responsibility for their own kit. Pack it the night before and you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble for socks — or the missing gumshield that only appears when it’s too late.

Common Buying Mistakes To Avoid

Buying the wrong gear for football vs hurling, choosing boots that are too big “for growth” (leading to slipping and poor control), guessing glove size by age instead of checking fit, forgetting the gumshield until the first match, picking kit that looks good but doesn’t wash well or stand up to training volume, and not checking club or county kit requirements before buying colours or styles.

FAQ

What Does A Child Need For GAA Training?

In most cases: boots, a training kit, socks, gloves (common for football), and a gumshield. Add a water bottle and a bag so everything stays together.

What Is The Difference Between Youth GAA Boots And Soccer Boots?

The main differences come down to grip and how the boot supports the movements common in Gaelic games—more turning, contesting ball in the air, and changing direction on grass. The best choice still depends on fit and the typical pitch conditions your child plays on.

Do Kids Need Gloves For Both Football And Hurling?

Gloves are most commonly used in Gaelic football to help with grip in wet weather and handling the ball. Hurling has different priorities, so check your coach’s expectations and what your child actually finds comfortable.

How Should Gloves Fit?

They should be snug through the palm with a small amount of room at the fingertips. If your child is between sizes, sizing up usually improves comfort and finger movement.

What Should Be In A Match-Day Bag?

Boots, socks, gloves (if used), a gumshield, jersey and shorts, water, and a spare layer are the basics. In wet conditions, pack a spare pair of socks and something dry to change into after.