8 Best Soccer Headgear For Kids 2023 – FIFA Compliant
Wearing soccer headgear during training and competition is very important to reduce head injuries, therefore, it is wise for all parents to consider having their kids wear one. There are hundreds of headgear out there in the online market but today I am going to present to you, in my opinion, the 8 best soccer headgear for kids.
Parents must note that headgear and headbands do not guarantee 100% protection against head injuries such as concussions.
These head protection gears only act to mitigate the impact on the head.
Let us check them out.
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Criteria:
Not all soccer headgear is the same some are only for professional players, while some are not for soccer, and some are simply not effective at all.
The best headgear should be comfortable to wear and does not impede the player’s performance.
Here are my criteria when choosing the best headgear:
- All headgear must be approved by FIFA and other reputable organizations
- Must be comfortable
- Perform to expectation
- Positive customer reviews of the product
Follow me as I review these headgear and I hope that you can pick 1 that suits your kid.
10 Best Soccer Headgear For Kids 2023
1. Full 90 Sports Premier Performance Soccer Headgear
- The occipital (back of the head) back padding is interchangeable
- Ponytail port – convenient for players with long hair
- Small/Medium/Large
- Tru-Play Technology – designed for high performance without affecting the athlete’s ability
- ForceBloc Foam – ultra-lightweight and high-density foam
- The CoolMax fabric keeps the athlete cool and dry by absorbing sweat and enhancing the fabric drying rate
- Headgear is approved by FIFA, US Soccer, and the National Federation of High Schools
- Sizing instruction is included in the product information
Pros:
- Ponytail port at the back of the headgear
- Protects all around the head
Cons:
- Some kids reckon its too bulky
- There is some fitting issue at the start. Parents need to read the instructions carefully.
The Full 90 Premier comes with the Advanced Truefit System that fully covers the occipital lobe which is the sensitive area at the back of your kid’s head and is responsible for vision.
In soccer, this is an exposed area, especially when contesting for the ball and the opponent is behind you.
On the side of the headgear are overlapping side ribs that allow for adjustment.
This headgear is constructed with Forcebloc foam that minimizes hard surface impacts and Cool Max inner lining fabric makes sure the headgear is dry.
All this without affecting the player’s performance such as heading the ball.
A great choice for a serious soccer player.
My Rating: 4.8/5
2. Storelli ExoShield Head Guard
- Highly rated by Virginia Tech for reducing injury risk by 84%
- 9MM military-grade foam
- Fits the head optimally
- Does not affect a player’s performance
- Lightweight at only 8 ounce
- Sized 1 – 6: Sizing instruction is included in the product information
- Meets ASTM, NFHS, and FIFA requirements
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Simple design – hassle-free
Cons:
- Headgear is not adjustable – use the sizing chart provided in the product information
The Storelli ExoShield Head Guard comes with 360 degrees padded head protection with no moving parts and straps.
This is great because there is less chance of the head guard being caught by someone’s fingers.
The head guard is constructed using military-grade foam which is also used in army helmets, which can reduce G-force to the head by up to 50%.
It’s estimated that this head guard reduces the risk of head injury by 84%.
While I suspect these could be laboratory test numbers, the number of positive feedback from users is very high and the only downside is that the head guard is not adjustable.
I personally think that is an advantage because if you choose your size correctly, all you have to do is take it out of the box and wear it.
Simple.
My Rating: 4.9/5
3. ForceField Protective Head Band
Features:
- Has a Polymeric layer that absorbs impact on the head
- Does not affect performance such as heading the ball
- Absorbs sweat
- Reversible
- Washable
- Lightweight
- Ventilated
- Not adjustable but is elastic
- Meets NFHS, and FIFA requirements
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Hassle-free, no adjustment required
Cons:
- Too narrow for some player’s heads
The ForceField Protective Head Band is a simple hassle-free product suitable not only for soccer but other sports as well.
It provides protection around the head where it wraps around.
This headband contains polymers that absorb impact by up to 80% as claimed by the manufacturer.
This headband is suitable for older who prefer to wear lightweight head protection.
My Rating: 4.7/5
4. EliteTek Soft Padded Helmet Headgear
- Soft-shelled helmet
- Fast fitting with adjustable velcro chin strap and at the back of the head
- Great ventilation
- Designed for great hearing
- Suitable for multiple sports including soccer
- World Rugby Approved equipment
Pros:
- Complete head protection
Cons:
- A few complaints about sizing. Please follow sizing instructions thoroughly
Have you watched your kid playing with other kids?
Everyone just chased and kicked the ball and chances are head collisions and awkward falls can happen.
This headgear provides total head protection not just around the head but covers the top of the head, and the ears as well.
They are easy to wear and take off because of the velcro on the chin strap.
There is also a velcro strap at the back of the head but there is no need to touch it once the initial size has been adjusted to your kid’s head.
In my opinion, this type of headgear perfectly provides much-needed protection for beginners and also for those who had a previous head injury.
My Rating: 4.8/5
5. Gamebreaker PRO Powered by D3O Soft Shell Headgear
- Soft-shelled helmet
- D30 impact protection technology
- Lycra outer shell
- Adjustable velcro strap on the chin and the back of the head
- Well ventilated
- Suitable for multiple sports
- Size: X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large. For the sizing chart please check here
Pros:
- The headgear has incorporated D30 impact protection technology
Cons:
- A bit pricey
This soft-shelled headgear has incorporated the D30 impact protection technology which has been used in military, industrial, and motorcycle helmets.
This explains the price difference from the rest of the headgear collection.
The headgear is lightweight and well-ventilated to make sure your kid plays freely without obstruction.
When it comes to cleaning it the headgear can be machine washed with your kid’s dirty clothes.
Having said that, this headgear offers the best protection in minimizing head injuries.
My Rating: 4.9/5
6. ForceField Ultra Protective Head Band
- One size fits all
- Full 360 degrees of protection
- Size adjustable by velcro for stability and comfort
- Contains impact-absorbing polymers
- Absorbs and neutralizes up to 80% of impacts for young children and 50% for adults
- Made up of Neoprene
- Reversible
- Washable
- Meets ATSM standards
- Approved by FIFA and the National Federation of High Schools
Pros:
- One size fits all
Cons:
- The headband can come off
The headband is suitable for players who do not like bulky headgear that might interfere with their performance during the soccer game.
The headband is secured by a velcro strap at the back of the head and is made of impact-absorbing polymers that claim to reduce impact by 80% for kids.
This product is good for training and for older kids.
My Rating: 4.7 / 5
7. Barnett Heat Pro Helmet
- Made of spandex, nylon, EVA, and polyester material
- Adjustable velcro chin strap
- Laced closing at the back of the head
- Approved for rugby, suitable for soccer
Pros:
- Simple headgear that can be used for any sport
Cons:
- Laced closing at the back of the head. Maybe I am just a fan of velcro.
The Barnett Heat Pro helmet offers full head protection for the wearer with simple and basic features. The helmet is adjustable so it can better fit your kid’s head.
In my opinion, the downside is the laced closing at the back of the head because it might come undone during the game. But it is the most secure when properly tied and tucked away and gives way to better ventilation.
This is a good headgear for goalkeepers and for training.
My Rating: 4.7/5
8. Gamebreaker Multi-Sport Soft Shell Protective Headgear
- Made for soccer players
- 95% full head covering
- Soft-shell protective headgear
- Secure velcro hook and loop chin strap
- Constructed of EVA, SAF foams, Lycra on the outer shell covering
- Size: X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large. For the sizing chart please check here
- FIFA compliant
- Top rated by Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab
Pros:
- Outlets for better ventilation
- 11 colors to choose from to match team colors
Cons:
- Laced closing at the back of the head
Another great Gamebreaker headgear with all their usual protection features – which is outstanding.
This fully-featured headgear is perfect for goalkeepers and beginners who put a lot of emphasis on safety and performance.
My Rating: 4.8/5
My Recommendations
1. Best Beginner & Goalkeeper Headgear
2. Best Simple Headgear
Conclusion
There you go, I hope you find a suitable headgear for your kid from this list.
Remember the best way to avoid injury is to play soccer safely, follow game rules, and listen to the referee.
Sportsmanship also played a huge role in injury prevention.
Play safe and have fun.
Have you used a different headgear in the past? How do you compare it to the list above? Please leave a comment below.