Football Equipment

Shin pads are now mandatory at most levels of the footballing pyramid. When they were first introduced, they were relatively primitive. Now, however, the modern shin guard uses a range of new technologies to deliver maximum protection and mobility. It is believed that shin pads were first worn by footballers in 1874. Sam Weller Widdowson was a keen Nottinghamshire cricketer...

The creation of the modern game of football is universally credited to Sheffield F.C. in England. However, the act of kicking a spherical object around for fun is an ancient endeavour that stretches back to around 300 BC. Footballs have a long and illustrious history that is as much about passion for the game as it is about scientific innovation...

  Tom Heaton has come a long way since his days as a trainee at Manchester United. The Burnley stopper’s time at United didn’t involve much in the way for first team action — although he was in the travelling 24-man squad for the 2008 Champions’ League final in Munich. After leaving Old Trafford on a Bosman free transfer, Heaton...

Football coaches are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to improve the technique of their players. Games such as head tennis and foot volleyball have been used for many years by professional clubs, as they give players a great opportunity to have fun and develop their set of skills. One new game currently enjoying a surge in...

Playing park football with friends is a great way to socialise and stay fit. But if you’re looking to take the next step, it might be time to set up a club of your own. Before you take the plunge and register your own FA-affiliated club, you should ask yourself four questions: Do we have enough players to fulfil our...

Do you ever struggle to find the time to work out at the gym? Don’t worry, as you’re certainly not alone. Simply getting to and from the local gym can take precious time you may not have. But with the right equipment, you can bring the gym to your home. Iron Gym strength and fitness equipment allows you to workout...

Resistance bands are mobile, lightweight and versatile - making workouts at home or at work exceptionally easy. Whether you want to take your gym around with you or make the best use of tight spaces in your home, a set of resistance bands is the perfect addition to your fitness inventory. There are literally dozens of effective workouts possible with...

The nature of football puts great strain on a player’s knees. Whether in training or in the heat of match action, the pressure of constant shifts in weight, twists and turns can take a heavy toll on the knees. A lot of players ignore twinges and nagging pains for fear of missing matches - but this can often lead to...

The FA, Sport England and the British government are trying to boost participation in grassroots football around the country, and one of initiatives they are pursuing is a 4G pitch building programme. Although expensive initially, the very latest artificial pitches are helping cash-strapped leagues and associations to fulfil their fixtures during periods of inclement weather. While much is said about...

Whether you’re playing in a Sunday league pub match or at FA County level, there are certain items of equipment - over and above basics such as goal posts and footballs - you simply can’t do without. In order to maximise your team’s chances of success this season, it is important to ensure that the following types of match day...