First Soccer Practice for 5-Year-Olds: Tips, Gear, and What to Expect

(Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products we’ve used and loved for our own soccer journey.)

What to Expect at the First Practice

• Lots of energy & silliness At age 5, practices are mostly about fun, movement, and introducing the ball. Don’t expect structured drills to last long—kids learn best through games.

• Basic introductions Coaches usually focus on names, simple rules, and creating a playful environment.

• Simple ball games Think “Red Light, Green Light,” dribbling around cones, or kicking goals into pop-up nets. No formations, no tactics—just fun.

What Gear Do You Actually Need?

Getting the right gear makes practice smoother (and keeps kids safe). Here’s what worked for us:

• Shoes – Sneakers work fine at this age, but many kids love wearing their first pair of youth soccer cleats.

• Shin guards – A must. These kids’ shin guards are easy to slip on and stay put.

• Soccer ball – A size 3 ball is perfect for 5-year-olds.

• Water bottle – Staying hydrated is key. We like this reusable kids’ water bottle.

👉 Pro tip: label everything—gear tends to get mixed up on the field!

Tips for Parents on the Sidelines

• Encourage, don’t coach – Let the coach lead practice. Your job is to clap, smile, and cheer.

• Keep expectations realistic – Some kids run nonstop, others pick flowers. Both are normal!

• Focus on fun, not performance – At this age, the goal is confidence and enjoyment, not goals scored.

At-Home Fun Between Practices

You don’t need drills—just play.

• Pass the ball around the yard.

• Play “goalie” with soft kicks.

• Set up an obstacle course with toys or cones (we use these [training cones – insert affiliate link] for backyard games).

• If you want to level up, a small [pop-up soccer goal – insert affiliate link] can make home play even more exciting.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The first soccer practice is a milestone for both kids and parents. Your child doesn’t need to be the fastest or score the most today. What matters is that they smiled, ran around, and felt excited to come back next week.

📅 Stay tuned: I’ll be sharing our weekly journey through my 5-year-old’s first soccer season—stories, tips, and ways to make soccer fun for beginners.

👉 Your turn: If your little one has already had their first soccer practice, what’s one moment you’ll never forget? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear!