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.