Getting Started: Your Equipment Checklist
If you're new to American football, the amount of gear can feel overwhelming. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what you actually need, and what can wait.
Essential Gear (You Need This)
Helmet with facemask. The most important piece. Must be NOCSAE certified. Budget €200–450 depending on the model.
Shoulder pads. Choose based on your position. Skill players use lighter pads, linemen use bulkier ones with more coverage.
Mouthguard. Required at every level. Boil-and-bite guards work fine for beginners.
Cleats. Football-specific cleats give you better traction and ankle support than regular trainers. Molded cleats work for most surfaces.
Football pants with integrated pads. Or separate girdle + pants. You need knee, thigh, and hip pads at minimum.
Gloves. Receiver gloves for skill players, lineman gloves for the trenches. Not mandatory, but a big advantage.
Nice to Have
Visor / eye shield. Protects your eyes and reduces glare. Check league rules on tint.
Neck roll or collar. Extra neck protection, popular with linebackers and linemen.
Backplate. Attaches to shoulder pads for lower back and spine protection.
Rib protector. Good for players who take a lot of hits to the torso.
What About Flag Football?
If you're playing flag, you typically only need cleats, a mouthguard, and gloves. No helmet or pads required, just a flag belt (usually provided by the league).
Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us your position and budget and we'll put together a recommendation. We work with beginners, youth players, and full senior teams across Europe.