🏈 10 Must-Have Player Essentials to Survive Youth Football Season

Because “just showing up” doesn’t cut it anymore.

Welcome to youth football season—where the gear is heavy, the schedule is relentless, and your car smells like a sweaty locker room. Whether it’s your first season or your fifth, one thing’s certain: if your kid plays football, you need a survival kit.

Sure, the league gives you a helmet and pads, but the real MVPs of game day are the extras. The small-but-mighty items that keep your player protected, hydrated, organized, and smelling somewhat human.

Here are the top 10 football player essentials I swear by, straight from our Chaos, Cleats & Coffee sideline-tested playbook:

Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products we actually use and love from the sidelines!

1. Fitdom 132L Heavy Duty Extra-Large Sports Bag

One bag for EVERYTHING
This bag is massive. Like, you could fit a small linebacker in it massive. It fits all the pads, cleats, snacks, and random gear your kid will "absolutely need" this week. Bonus: it’s tough enough to survive the back of your SUV.
👉 Shop the bag

2. Vapor Fresh Gear Deodorizer Spray

The nose knows. And it’s suffering.
Spray this on cleats, sweaty pads, gloves, helmet, the entire equipment bag—anything that smells like 10-year-old sweat. It works. Like, really works.
👉 Buy the spray

3. Under Armour Mouth Guard

Buy two. Maybe even three.
Mouth guards disappear. It’s a fact of life. This one has great airflow, lasts longer than the $2 kind, and there’s lots of cool designs to choose from.
👉 Grab a backup

4. CompressionZ Youth Compression Arm Sleeves

Because your kid wants to look like they’re in the NFL.
Functional and fashionable. Keeps muscles warm and arms protected from turf burn—plus a little confidence boost never hurts.
👉 Shop the sleeve

5. COOLOMG Youth Football Padded Shirt

Extra padding = extra peace of mind.
Layer it under the pads for bonus protection to the ribs, chest, and back. Moms love it. Kids forget they’re even wearing it.
👉 Get the padded shirt

6. CLIF BAR Minis

A snack you’ll actually feel good about tossing into the gear bag.
No melty chocolate. No sugar crash. Just solid fuel when your kid is “so starving” between drills.
👉 Stock up on ZBars

7. Under Armour Half Gallon Water Bottle with Handle

Hydration is not optional.
Easy to carry and ginormous enough to last an entire sweat filled practice without going empty.
👉 Grab one here

8. COOLOMG Cooling Towel

Because all that gear is heavy and hot

When your player only has a few minutes to chug down some water and cool down til the next play, these towels are their best friend.
Soak it, wring it out, and drape it around their neck. Works instantly to lower body temp and complaints.
👉 Cool them down

9. Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides

Because cleats don’t belong in your backseat. Ever.
These are lightweight, comfy, and perfect for post-game. Give their feet (and your car floor) a break.
👉 Shop the shoes

10. Under Armour Football Gameday Armour Backplate

Extra protection + a confidence boost = the ultimate power move.
Let’s be honest—shoulder pads only go so far. The Under Armour Back Plate adds essential protection to your player's lower back and kidneys, especially for those hard-hitting plays. And yes, it also adds a little swagger to their stride.

With tons of colors and designs to match their vibe, this back plate delivers both safety and style.

👉 Shop the back plate

🎯 The Bottom Line

Youth football is a full-contact sport—and not just for the kids. It’s rough on schedules, gear bags, and parents’ patience. But with the right essentials in your corner, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time cheering.

✅ Ready to gear up?

Click the links above to shop our favorites and build your own football survival kit.
Your future self (and your kid’s locker) will thank you.