Don't let a tight budget hold you back from getting a high-quality soccer goal. These affordable options are sure to meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Looking to replace your aging soccer goals? Check out our full line of goals to fit any requirements here.
Buying for a school, club, or athletic facility? Call us at 612-405-4292 or email us at info@soccercommand.com for information about special pricing. We would love to help outfit you with everything you need at a great price!
]]>Well, you are not alone. Measuring a soccer goal is important for ensuring that the goal meets the official size regulations set by your governing soccer body (FIFA, NCAA, NFHS, state association, etc.). Lucky for you, taking a measurement of your soccer goal is very simple. All you will need a tape measure and a helper and to follow these steps:
Stand at one end of the goal, facing the center of the goal.
Measure from the inside edge of one goalpost to the inside edge of the other goalpost. This is the width of the goal. A standard full-size goal for U13+ measures 24' wide.
Next, measure from the ground to the top of the crossbar. This is the height of the goal. A standard full-size goal for U13+ measures 8' high.
Next, measure from the rear edge of the goalpost back, away from the field of play, to the end of the backstay. This is the depth of the goal. Typically, full-size 8'x24' goals have a depth of about 4'.
It's important to note that the dimensions of a soccer goal can vary depending age and the level of play. For example, the dimensions of a goal for youth or amateur play may be different from the dimensions of a professional goal. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the level of play you are participating in.
Looking to replace your aging soccer goals? Check out our full line of goals to fit any requirements here.
Buying for a school, club, or athletic facility? Call us at 612-405-4292 or email us at info@soccercommand.com for information about special pricing. We would love to help outfit you with everything you need at a great price!
]]>In the world of soccer equipment, there are few greater expenses than soccer uniforms. Teams spend thousands of dollars every couple of years to purchase new kits only for them to wear out prematurely. Premature wear might not be an issue if we all had access to full-time kit managers like the pros do. However, if you are reading this, it is safe to assume you don't have that luxury!
Trying to figure it out on your own is overwhelming, so let's take a deep dive into soccer uniform care. By the time you're done reading this you'll be getting the most of your soccer uniform investment and who knows, maybe Real Madrid will come knocking looking for a new kit manager!
YES, it absolutely does! By following manufacturer washing instructions and garment care best practices you will not only have a better looking soccer kit, but it will last longer, be more comfortable, and will perform better. Taking a moment to learn a bit about how to properly care for your soccer uniform is well worth your time!
Well, there a number of things to consider. Some are more important than others, but done with regularity and in concert these practices will ensure you get the most out of your soccer uniform.
Yes, in most cases it is appropriate to machine wash soccer uniforms. The overwhelming majority of soccer uniforms nowadays are made from 100% polyester and are decorated with embellishments that can withstand machine washing throughout the life of the garment. It is always best to turn all garments inside out and to wash with the same or similar colored garments. It is also recommended that you use the cold water setting and use the proper type and amount of detergent.
By default, it is always best practice to follow washing and drying instructions on the label of your soccer uniform. If your jersey, shorts, socks or soccer warm ups don't come with sewn-in garment care instructions, contact the manufacturer or consult with the retailer you purchased them from to ensure you're following instructions.
We've all experienced those soccer games that liken to a 'Mud Bowl' where by the end the pitch, is left in tatters and there is not one square inch of uniform not covered in dirt or grass. Rather than throwing the soccer kits straight into a wash cycle, it is advisable to pre-wash them in a sink to remove as much loose dirt and grass as possible. Turn the uniform inside out, use a small amount of detergent, and lightly agitate the uniform to help break up the stains during the pre-wash
One other key thing to note is to never let a freshly stained uniform that is still wet from use dry before getting washed. Letting the uniform dry before washing is a sure-fire way to set the stains permanently into the fabric. five to ten minutes of presoaking should do the trick.
Whenever possible, absolutely yes! First of all, this makes sorting post-wash and dry much easier. Secondly, your soccer jersey, shorts, and socks are probably made from slightly different fabrics and likely contain different dye types/tones. Washing them separately will ensure that there is no bleed over from the socks to the jerseys or vice versa.
Yes. Doing this will help prevent the outside part of the garment from rubbing against the machine walls, thus extending the life of the garment.
Whenever possible, yes! A good 20-30 minute pre-soak in cold water will help ensure water and detergent penetrate through all the fibers in the soccer kit fabric. If that does not do the trick, try letting the garment soak overnight. Make sure the water and detergent levels are appropriate to the load size and be sure the detergent has fully disintegrated into the water before adding the kits. This will help prevent build up or staining on the uniform as a result of clumped and trapped detergent.
If presoaking does not do the trick, try using a stainstick or a small concentration of detergent and scrub the garment by hand by pressing the garment against itself. Be sure to rinse the garment after this step and before putting it in the wash cycle. REMEMBER: once you let a garment dry after it picks up a stain it becomes extremely difficult if not impossible to get it out.
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Always use cold water when washing soccer kits. Using hot water has the effect of setting stains and causing unnecessary wear. Stick with cold!
How do I prevent tough stains from setting into the fabric of my soccer uniform? After your uniforms finish their wash cycle its time to turn them right side out and give them a once over to ensure that all stains have been removed. Skipping this step and going straight to drying will undoubtedly lead to unsightly permanent stains that are avoidable.
In general, it is always better to hang dry your kits. You can machine dry your kit but it will cause more wear on the kits and will reduce their lifespan. If you do decide to machine dry, most manufacturers recommend tumble drying on a low-heat setting with each garment turned inside out. This helps protect the fabric and embellishments on the outside of the uniform from rubbing against the washing machine.
The bottom line is that heating your uniform will cause a small amount of wear every time you do it which over time will reduce the life of your garment. One way you can help extend the life of your soccer kits is by tumble drying on the lowest heat setting for a shortened amount of time. Then, once the items have warmed up and dried slightly, take them out and lay them on a flat surface in a well-ventilated room to finish drying. Hang drying also has the effect of using less energy which is environmentally friendly and cost efficient. Oh, and NEVER hang them in direct sun to dry! It will cause fading and weakening of the polyester fibers. Your uniforms already see enough sun which causes wear. Don't cause undue wear by leaving them to dry in direct sunlight.
No. Absolutely not. Never! If you do, you will create stains in the fabric as well as weaken the fabric. Don't do it!
What you CAN do is use a more polyester friendly oxigen fabric cleaner such as OxiClean. These are far more gentle on polyester soccer uniforms than bleach and they won't leave your pricey kits damaged!
You might be tempted to cram as many soccer uniforms into as few laundry loads as possible. However, like you may have experienced with your personal laundry, overloading leads to detergent not distributing evenly and getting trapped thus causing staining. Not to mention overloading is tough on your washer and dryer.
Mixing your soccer uniforms with other garments may cause undue damage to your kits. For example; a zipper on a pair of jeans can scratch and pull on the polyester fibers or cotton fibers from a hoodie can migrate onto heat pressed logos and numbers making them look opaque and dirty. It is best to wash your uniforms separate.
Everyone wants to save water and energy when washing clothes. It's good for the environment and it lowers your water and electricity bill. However, be careful when using a high-efficiency washer or using an economy setting on your washer as this could mean that a much needed wash cycle does not use enough water or that all the elements of a wash cycle don't run. It is important to have enough water in the washer and to allow your washer to run the full cycle when washing your soccer uniforms.
The most common cause of wrinkling in soccer uniforms is allowing them to dry while they are still in the washing machine . Avoid this by switching your kits to the dryer or hangers soon after the washer ends its cycle. Another wrinkle creating culprit is letting your soccer uniforms fully cool off after the dryer has run its cycle before you take them out to fold/store. If they fully cool off in the dryer you will see wrinkles form. Beyond that, just make sure you store them neatly by individually folding them or by laying them out and bundling. This will ensure you have smooth and wrinkle-free kits when you pull them out for game time!
The answer depends. Many manufacturers recommend you pre-wash your soccer kits before ever using them. Some recommend two pre-washes; one using detergent, and a second without. How your uniforms are embellished (embroidery, heat press, screen print, or sublimation) may impact whether or not you need to pre-wash. Check the box you received your soccer uniforms in for printed wash instructions. Bottom line: check with the manufacturer or retailer who you purchased from.
It is always recommended that you store them neatly folded or bundled in a dry, climate controlled area. Make sure you've washed and fully dried the uniforms one last time before storing them to prevent mold. You may want to avoid hanging jerseys or other items during off season storage as the extended time on the hanger can create 'dimples' in the shoulders or other areas and puts acute pressure on a localized area making it susceptible to premature wear at those points. It is better to store them inside plastic bags placed inside plastic bins where the items can rest on top of one another, evenly distributing their weight and keeping them safe from changes in humidity, water leaks, and bugs.
We hope you found our guide to soccer uniform care helpful even if you only took away one or two nuggets!
Did we mention that we specialize in team and club uniform sales? Check out our extensive line of quality soccer uniforms and contact us so we can help you get your new kits at an excellent price!
612-405-4292
info@soccercommand.com
]]>Youth soccer tryouts are an exciting time for organizations and players alike. Evaluations mark the start of a new season, a new squad of players and families to welcome to the organization, and a new chance for players to showcase their skills.
But with tryouts can come phone calls. You know the ones we are talking about.
“My child wasn’t scored fairly.”
“My child should be on a better team.”
“Why was my child placed on this squad? They were better than so-and-so.”
It’s natural for parents and players to second-guess the fairness of youth sports tryouts. So with that, the responsibility lies with the youth soccer organization to assure athletes and their parents that the tryout process and roster formation was executed without bias.
Put your words into action and show parents and players your youth soccer tryout process is fair by adopting these 7 steps to your process for removing bias.
Removing bias starts before the athletes step onto the field for tryouts.
First things first, organizations can take steps towards establishing trust and transparency between the club, athletes, and parents by communicating the criteria and expectations for evaluations. What criteria will you be evaluating on? This allows every player to prepare for tryouts mentally and physically. Tryouts are exciting, but they can be stressful, too. Knowledge of the day can help set expectations and take the edge off.
Outside evaluators are critical to setting a non-bias precedent for your youth soccer tryouts. There are typically two paths for recruiting outside evaluators for tryouts.
If soccer teams have money in their budget, hiring evaluators not associated with the club is the easiest way to assure families every player is scored fairly. These evaluators are less likely to have connections to the athletes and can score players based on their performance at tryouts alone with no previous knowledge shading their assessment.
For clubs who can’t afford to hire outside evaluators, they can work with other teams in the organization to have each squad’s staff score the other team’s players. For example, clubs can ask coaches of the boys’ soccer teams to evaluate the girls and vice versa. This helps eliminate the risk of evaluators being too familiar with players and unintentionally inserting bias into their decision making.
When preparing your score sheets for the big day, opt for numbers instead of names. Athletes can be listed by their registration or bib number while keeping their name hidden to evaluators. This adds a layer of anonymity and extra protection to being evaluated by performance first and foremost.
To ensure evaluations are accurate, coaches and directors can spot-check and calibrate player scores during evaluations. Administrators can watch a few athletes perform drills and then compare their anticipated scores to that of the evaluators’. Fair scoring will be obvious if the scoring is relatively the same.
Nothing beats real-time rankings.
An easy way for coaches to perform spot checks mentioned above is by using player evaluation software for real-time access to rankings. If a coach is watching a soccer drill, they can monitor how the athlete is scored in real-time in the application to check if the grades entered match the execution of the skill. If an athlete is mis-scored, this allows the team administrators to take action and address the situation with the evaluator immediately.
One surefire way to eliminate bias? Incorporate transparency throughout your entire process, including the sharing of player results. Sharing tryout results with the youth athletes allows them to see exactly how they performed and gives them access to the same scores team administrators are using to form the soccer squads.
Providing tryouts results to each player gives teams an opportunity to give feedback on their performance and what to focus on for the upcoming season. This feedback can be invaluable to youth soccer players as they strive to improve their skills.
Another easy way for soccer clubs to remove biases from tryouts is by talking to players and families. Do they have concerns? Do they feel that tryouts are indeed fair? Opening the lines of communication can help alert organizations to potential issues.
Author: Chris Knutson
Bio: Chris Knutson is co-founder and CEO of TeamGenius, a leading player evaluation software that helps youth sports organization by streamlining tryouts and player evaluations.
]]>There are two main NCAA bylaws which relate to soccer uniforms that will impact which uniforms you buy and how you print:
2016-2017 NCAA Soccer Rules and Interpretations Publication states in section 4.1.1 (Uniforms):
A field player’s uniform shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings and shoes. (See Rule 4.4.) It is permissible to have the institution’s name, nickname, or mascot on the front and/or back of the uniform, and the player’s name on the back of the jersey. Further, in accordance with NCAA bylaws, an institution’s uniform and/or any item of apparel (including warm-ups) that is worn by a student-athlete while representing the institution in intercollegiate competition may contain only a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark on the outside of the apparel (regardless of the visibility of the logo or trademark). The logo or trademark must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (that is, rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼-square inches. Such an item of apparel may contain more than one manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark on the inside of the apparel provided the logo or trademark
is not visible. If an institution’s uniform or any item of apparel worn by a student-athlete in competition contains washing instructions on the outside of the apparel or on a patch that also includes the manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark, the entire patch must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (that is, rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼-square inches. The restriction of the size of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo is applicable to all apparel worn by student-athletes during the conduct of the institution’s competition, which includes any pregame or postgame activities such as pregame warm-ups. Such attire includes individual player warm-up attire before the player enters the game, postgame celebrations and pre- or postgame press conferences involving student-athletes. The logo restrictions on student-athletes’ apparel set forth in NCAA bylaws, apply during NCAA championships to all personnel (for example, coaches, athletic trainers, managers) who are on the team bench for practices and games and who participate in NCAA news conferences. The same logo restrictions on student-athletes’ apparel also shall apply to commercial logos on uniforms worn by band members, cheerleaders, dance team members and the institution’s mascot during NCAA championship events. A commemorative patch may be permitted on a jersey or shirt. The entire patch must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (that is, rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼-square inches.
So, in a nutshell, this NCAA soccer rule is saying: one logo (or trademark) per item which must be able to be contained within a 2.25 square inch area shaped as a parallelogram.
Most soccer uniforms on the market have one logo over the right chest area that, if less than 2.25 square inches, is compliant with NCAA soccer rules. Where it gets sticky is with manufacturer's trademarks. For example uniforms bearing an across-chest sublimated Nike logo, or traditional down-the-arm triple adidas stripes would be out of compliance with NCAA soccer rules as they are considered trademarks of the respective uniform manufacturer.
2016-2017 NCAA Soccer Rules and Interpretations Publication states in section 4.3 (Numbers Mandatory) states:
Numerals at least 8 inches in height that are easily distinguishable from the predominant background color(s) and pattern shall be worn on the back of each player’s (including goalkeeper’s) jersey.
Numerals at least 4 inches in height that are easily distinguishable from the predominant background color(s) and pattern shall be worn on the front of each player’s (including goalkeeper’s) jersey. Numerals are required on the front and back of the jersey, and no two teammates may wear the same number. Note: Numbers on shorts are optional.
What this NCAA soccer rule means for you: jerseys require 8" (or more) numbers on the back, 4" (or more) numbers on the front and should be a distinctly contrasting color to the jersey
At Soccer Command we have a wide variety of NCAA compliant soccer uniforms. We also make it easy for you to know which soccer uniforms are in fact NCAA legal options by conveniently tagging jerseys, shorts, socks, and warm-ups as 'NCAA Legal'.
Click here to see our collections for NCAA compliant soccer jerseys, shorts, socks, and warm ups.
Need help finding the perfect soccer uniforms to embody your school's heritage? We love working with people to find just the right soccer kit. Call, email, or web-chat us today to find out why more and more teams are choosing Soccer Command for all their soccer uniform needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: before you order and embellish uniforms we strongly recommend you consult your school's athletics director to ensure your choices are withing NCAA compliance. NCAA bylaws change regularly and we can't guarantee the accuracy of our statements after publishing.
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As the first installment of a series highlighting brands that Soccer Command carries, we wanted to start off by taking a look at one of our favorite brands and one of the most historic soccer brands on Earth: Hummel.
Well, its probably because you know Hummel from their US market presence in the 1990s and into the early 2000s. Their trademark 'bumblebee' logo and 'chevron' prints are etched in many soccer aficionado's minds. In fact, Hummel was one of the better-known soccer brands in the US back then. As with other soccer brands like Umbro, Lotto, etc., with the rise of Nike, Adidas and most recently Under Armour, Hummel was edged out of the US market. In 2016 the brand made a welcomed return to the market bringing with them their uniquely Danish/European style and their undeniable soccer heritage.
The answer is quite simple, really. Hummel's mission is to "Change the world through sport." At Soccer Command one of our main guiding principles is to offer the soccer community with the highest quality soccer gear. Hummel absolutely fits that bill. Since their inception in 1923, they have grown to cover the spectrum for soccer goods manufacturing unique and high quality soccer uniforms, balls, warm ups, and outerwear. Another factor in choosing to establish Hummel as a core brand was their Company Karma Policy which is a commitment to act as a responsible company in a global economy from their corporate behavior to supply chain accountability. Very, very cool. We also really love their Classic Bee collection of sporty, European, urban style apparel. Classic Bee apparel is the perfect compliment to any soccer player's attire. In a nutshell, Hummel is an incredibly natural fit for Soccer Command and we hope you enjoy trying all of their latest gear.
No problem. It would be hard to highlight Humme'ls 90+ year heritage better than they does. Thus, the following is an excerpt from Hummel.net (with some small additions), telling their remarkable story.
"The bumblebee company has now been airborne for over 90 colourful years. Let's take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and relive some highlights of the exciting hummel® history."
After having watched a soccer match in the pouring rain young shoemaker Albert Messmer develops one of the first soccer cleats the world has ever seen. In the aftermath he founds the company Messmer & Co. with his brother Michael Ludwig Messmer in the Hamburg, Germany suburb of Eppendorf.
The visionary Bernhard Weckenbrock takes over the company. He believes that the product needs to have a unique personality, which athletes can identify with. From this philosophy emerges the classic chevron logo, which symbolises team spirit, progression and a drive to win it. Partnered with the main bumblebee logo, the identity of the new hummel® is now in place.
hummel® signs its first sponsorship deal with soccer club, Duisburg, from the 2nd German Bundesliga.
hummel® signs a sponsorship deal with mighty Real Madrid – and with the club’s biggest star, Danish soccer’s nightmare, Emilio Butragueño. The deal sees the sale of hummel® products hit the roof across Europe.
The Danish national soccer team wins the European Championship – wearing hummel®. Since Denmark has not qualified regularly and is admitted only 10 days before the beginning of the tournament at expense of former Yugoslavia, problems arise concerning delivery of playing kits to the team. In accordance with Denmark’s unexpected success, national team jerseys are ripped off the shelves in sports stores across the country.
With THORNICO as the new owner, Christian Stadil makes his entrance at hummel®. He launches a collection of reintroduced, original sport styles into the fashion market. This establishes hummel® as a trendsetting sports apparel brand.
hummel® strengthens in the German market by signing a sponsorship deal with Karlsruher SC and also introducing an off-field deal with FC St. Pauli which equips the club with boots, bags, underwear, goalkeeper gloves and fashion sneakers.
The year of our 90th anniversary was both busy and exciting. We published a brand book and launched a range of anniversary products. Just the right way to celebrate an important milestone in hummel’s history.
In 2014 we both expanded our collaboration with FC St Pauli and signed Füchse Berlin; an exciting new development that both cements hummel® as a leading handball brand and strengthens our presence on the soccer field. Apart from their colourful profile, FC St Pauli is also engaged in several projects with the aim to change the world through sport; a focus completely in sync with hummel’s vision.
hummel sponsored Real Oviedo, one of Spanish soccer’s most recognizable names, having graced the La Liga, alongside the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, for a large part of their distinguished 90 year history. The values embraced by the club clearly mirror those of hummel – with inclusivity, unity and passion running like the thread through everything that Real Oviedo believe and stand for.
hummel signed a sponsorship contract with DBU (Denmark National Team). It has been 12 years since the iconic hummel chevrons was last featured on the players’ jerseys, but hummel is now back in the game with an 8-year sponsorship contract. The contract will run until 2024 and includes all Danish National Teams. Read the full story here.
All the latest Hummel gear is available at Soccer Command!
Thinking about starting a soccer camp? Were you tasked by your club or school to set up a new soccer camp? If you want to have a successful camp there are a multitude of things to ready. Location, schedule, coaches, and the like. On top of all those details it is crucial to have the right soccer equipment. The last thing you want is for your coaches to be under-resourced or for campers to lament their time at camp due to proper gear lacking. It will be a poor experience for them and will make it difficult to bring them back again. Let us help walk you through what you'll need to make your soccer camp a success.
When campers and coaches show up for their first field session they rightfully expect camp staff to have arranged for and distributed all the needed soccer equipment. What camper is asked to bring cones or pinnies? A pop up soccer goal? SAQ equipment? Of course not! It is on the camp to sort out what items they need to create that perfect environment so coaches and campers can focus on why their there: soccer.
Alas - a comprehensive checklist of soccer gear you may need to be gathering as you prepare for your camp:
It would be difficult to hold a soccer camp without soccer balls. Will you supply your camp with uniform soccer balls to use, or will you require campers to bring their own? It may be easier, and more economical to have your campers bring their own ball. However, if you do this you lose control over the quality of ball the camper brings and you lose an opportunity to put your own soccer ball in their hands. It can be a very nice touch to provide campers with a soccer ball to take home with them and use at their team training sessions (you can also build the price of a soccer ball for each player into the registration fee). A unique soccer ball given out to campers can be a great piece of advertising for you long after the camp is over!
You can also have soccer balls on hand to purchase in the event a camper forgets theirs or it is lost or broken during camp. If you're buying soccer balls to use and keep on hand for future camps it would be wise to purchase uniquely colored soccer balls so they don't get confused with any others and to buy soccer ball bags for easy transportation and storage.
SS PRO TIP: Use bright/unique balls for each size ball you will use at camp. For example; bright orange size 3 for young ages, bright blue size 4 for older children, and bright yellow size 5 for older kids/adults. Doing this not only keeps your soccer balls standing out from others, it allows you to easily gather like-sizes together rather than sorting through each one to get sizes back together.
Are you holding your camp at a facility that already has regulation (permanent) goals you can use? Do you even need regulation goals for your soccer camp? If your facility does not have any, a good cost-effective option are portable/collapsible goals such as Bownet. Bownets come in a variety of sizes including 8' x 24' and your coaching staff will be able to move these goals around easily. You will also have the added bonus of retaining them for future use at any location.
Are you holding your camp at a facility that has properly lined fields? Do you have special requirements for your field sizes and layouts? Is it even necessary to line your fields? Coming from a coach, it is always nice to have neat/visible lines to use when training. From a players perspective it is much more fun to play on a field with proper lines. However, I've certainly been in situations where the only lines on the field were ones I created with cones.
It will be important for you to decide if field lines matter or not. If it does, contact staff at the facility you'll be using to see if they can make sure fields are lined. They may even be willing to re-line to your optimal camp specifications. If you are not using a facility that can line your fields you should consider purchasing a soccer field lining machine and a soccer field lining kit to create your own perfectly measured fields ready for your (thankful) coaches and players to train on.
SS PRO TIP: Put down contrasting colored lines within a regulation lined field to divide into easy-to-use grids for training (20 x 30 yards, 30 x 40 yards, etc.).
The nuts and bolts of putting on a proper training session and absolutely critical for running a smooth and efficient soccer camp. Not having these essentials makes it more difficult to run meaningful and efficient training sessions.
Maybe you don't need magic spray, but proper medical gear is an absolute must for every soccer camp. Ideally you would have a trainer on site who would be equipped with anything they would need to treat soccer related injuries. If you don't have the luxury of hiring a trainer, it is in your best interest to have ample first aid supplies available and perhaps even equip each coach with a first aid kit for treating basic injuries.
Normally speaking, players are asked to bring essential items that will be used by them and only them. Some examples include footwear, shin guards, training tops, shorts, socks, backpacks, goalkeeper gloves, sleeping bag, and a water bottle. If you are looking to keep your cost down you also may require players to provide their own soccer ball.
It is important for you to decide what soccer equipment you need to keep on hand and retain control over quality and maintenance. Investing a little time and some money to make sure you have all the right soccer equipment you need to run your camp efficiently and effectively will not be in vain. It will help create a great training environment and will keep campers coming back time and time again.
Do you have all the equipment you need for your soccer camp? If not, let us know and we would be glad to help you find the right gear. Also - we offer special bulk pricing for clubs, schools, and camps!
For more information please contact us at 612-405-4292, info@soccercommand.com, or via live chat (lower corner of window).
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At Soccer Command we often get asked the question; "What is the difference between a training ball and a match ball?" Simply put; one is used primarily for training, while the other is used primarily for matches. Sound good? I guess we're done here!
Well, not quite... It's a little more complicated than that. Some will tell you the price point is the real difference, or there is an inherent 'quality' difference. The answer may seem simple at first, until you dive into some important features of soccer balls. Let's explore a little deeper to find out what really makes a soccer training ball vs. a soccer match ball.
First we'll look at the soccer training ball. Usually, training balls are used primarily for individual or team training. It could be backyard juggling, kicking against a wall, playing pickup in the park, or it could be the ball you bring with you to soccer practice each day. Training balls are also a favorite for recreational programs as they don't require the use of match balls in games.
Soccer training balls tend to be medium to high in quality and use long-wear materials in their construction. Meaning, they are built to stand up to heavy use with thousands and millions of touches over months and years. Most training balls on the market are machine stitched, and often times the external PU cover of the ball contains a thinner layer of foam which makes the ball harder to the touch (under 2.0 mm). In addition, the type of bladder used in training balls will give the ball a more stiff feel. Combined together, the PU cover thickness and bladder type will give the ball a different, less perfect feel when controlling and playing it with a pass or shot.
Price points for training balls can vary from around $20-$80.
Next, we look at the soccer match ball. Generally speaking, match balls are used exclusively for official games. The reason soccer match balls are usually reserved for games only is due to the unique construction and the desire to keep them in good condition for a longer period of time.
Soccer match balls are high in quality and use materials and construction techniques that are geared toward making a soccer ball that is high-performance, not necessarily long lasting. Match balls are usually hand-stitched and use a thicker layer of foam under the PU cover (3.0 mm and up). Combined with a softer bladder type, match balls have an excellent touch when receiving, passing, and shooting. Match balls will also have the best possible flight when struck to bend, dip, or rise through the air.
It is worth noting as well that soccer match balls are not built for the type of high-use that training balls are. They are awesome to train with and you could make the argument that it is better to train with match balls so your training touches are on the same ball you use in games. Although you may want to use a match ball for training anyway, don't expect the match ball to last quite as long as a training ball would under the same sort of heavy use.
It is always good, and is often times required, to have a soccer match ball for game play. For example; the NCAA and NFHS both require school teams to use 'approved' match balls in all games to ensure no advantage is given to either side through use of an odd ball type.
Price points for match balls can vary from around $60-$120.
If what you need is a soccer ball to practice in your backyard, or to take to team practices, go with a training ball. On the other hand, if you need a high-performance ball that will give you optimal touch and flight during games (or practice), go with a match ball.
At Soccer Command we carry a wide variety of both training balls and match balls with different designs at various price points. Check them out now!
We also cater to schools and clubs with special pricing. If that is you we would love to help you out! For more information please contact us at 612-405-4292, info@soccercommand.com, or via live chat (lower left corner of window).
]]>Have you ever seen a goalkeeper dive into a soccer goal post? Have you ever seen a child climb up the back netting of a soccer goal like a cargo net? Have you ever seen a group of players jump up and hang from a goal cross bar for fun, or worse yet, to tip it down so they can move the goal?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in good company. You and many others have witnessed potentially dangerous occurrences and are genuinely concerned for soccer goal safety. Since 1979 there have been at least 39 deaths and 57 serious injuries attributed to soccer goals tipping over and crushing people (victim's ages ranged between ages 4 to 31 years old). That works out to around one person per year. Sadly, the danger is still claiming victims. Just check out this story of a 6 year old child who was recently struck on the head by a goal tipping over. There are an estimated 15 million children playing soccer in the US on fields donning an estimated 500,000 soccer goals. With so many young athletes playing so many hours of soccer around the country each year there are countless potentially dangerous situations that pop up.
Let's take a deeper dive into soccer goal safety, how to know you are purchasing a safe regulation soccer goal, and how you can help ensure safe use of soccer goals to help prevent injury.
Most of the goals which end up causing injuries are of the 'homemade' variety. Meaning, they are fabricated in someone's garage who decided they could produce an inexpensive product using steel and their own welding skills. Obviously, this sort of design and production method leaves a lot of room for design and production errors. It is unlikely this sort of goal will be certified safe. In addition, it is far more expensive to produce an aluminum-based goal vs. a steel-based one. Because steel is a cheaper metal to use, and is easier to weld with, it is often the metal of choice when producing homemade goals. This creates a significantly heavier and a more potentially dangerous goal in the event of a tip-over. If the goal base does not have the correct dimensions, or if it is too light this also adds to the probability it will tip forward. Not to mention, the structural integrity of the goal could be compromised if not professionally produced and checked for quality.
Because of the propensity for people to do it themselves, and the tendency to gravitate toward goals with the lowest initial cost, goals end up on the market, and on our soccer fields, that really should not be there. Luckily for you, there are standards put out by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) that outline some important aspects of soccer goal construction to ensure you are purchasing safe, high-performance regulation soccer goals. Have a look at the different standards enacted to provide you with a rudder in your soccer goal purchasing experience:
Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals - This standard specifies safety and performance requirements aimed at providing safer soccer goals and thereby reducing injuries and fatalities. This encompasses all goals 40 lbs and heavier.
Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals - This standard specifies safety and performance requirements aimed at providing for safer use of soccer goals and reducing injuries and fatalities.
Standard Safety Specification for Special Tip-Resistant Movable Soccer Goals - This specification covers safety requirements aimed at providing for safer use of soccer goals and reducing injuries and fatalities.
Guide for Safer Use of Movable Soccer Goals - This guide presents directions for the installation, use, and storage of full-size or nearly full-size movable soccer goals. It is expected that these guidelines can help prevent deaths and serious injuries resulting from soccer goal tip-over. These guidelines are intended for use by parks and recreation personnel, school officials, sports equipment purchasers, parents, coaches, and any other members of the general public concerned with soccer goal safety.
We highly recommend purchasing goals that meet these standards. It's never worth risking the well-being of athletes by purchasing goals that do not meet ASTM standards.
In addition to ASTM standards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a report in 1995 called Guidelines for Movable Soccer Goal Safety that goes into some depth about soccer goal safety. In fact, it was a through a partnership with the USCPSC that these ASTM standards were born.
You've purchased ASTM certified regulation soccer goals and now its time to assemble and install them. This is one of the most important aspects of soccer goal safety as it sets the stage for the long term use of soccer goals. It is absolutely vital you assemble and install goals to exact manufacturer's specifications. Doing so helps ensure you limit the risk of structural failure and thus injury to athletes. It also limits your liability in the unfortunate event a soccer goal related injury occurs while using your goals.
Always follow manufacturer's assembly instructions. For an example of assembly instructions, check out this PEVO World Cup Goal. Not following instructions could not only create a potentially dangerous situation for your athletes, but also could cause your goal to break and/or void your warranty.
Setting goals on an even surface and properly anchoring are the two most important aspects of installation to prevent goal tip-overs. Goals that rest on a forward-leaning slope are predisposed to tip-over. Properly anchored goals stand little chance of ever tipping forward.
*Note: Make sure each goal you install has proper warning labels affixed. These should come either pre-affixed, or as stickers you affix yourself during assembly.
Now that you've taken the time to assemble your goal to manufacturer's specifications, and installed it properly, its time to make sure to give it the care it deserves. We recommend you perform a check-up on your goals at minimum once every year. When available, follow manufacturer's guidelines for regular maintenance.
Routinely inspect goals and keep an eye out for any loose hardware, check the strength of welds, check for any corrosion, check for proper anchoring, and make sure you check for any other damaged or missing parts. Doing this will not only make your goals safer for use, but will also greatly extend the life of your investment. After all, the average cost of a pair of youth goals is over $2,000. If you spent that much on a computer or other asset you would likely put effort into maintaining it!
For a complete guide on caring for your soccer goals; check out How to Properly Care for Soccer Goals.
An average youth soccer goal can weigh anywhere between 100 lbs - 250 lbs. Most goals nowadays are made from an aluminum front frame (the goal mouth) and a steel back frame. Because the front frame runs perpendicular to the ground and has nothing propping it back, when the goal is tipped forward enough, the weight of the goal will pull it forward to the ground with significant force and weight behind it. This creates a serious potential danger for players as high winds or other forces can tip the goal forward onto athletes.
Because of this potential danger, all goals should be anchored to the ground using one or a combination of means:
*Note: Never guess what to use and how to anchor. Always follow the goal manufacturer's recommendations when choosing how to anchor and properly install anchors. It is also important to consider the soil type and consistency when determining how to anchor goals. Some anchors inserted in the ground may not hold as well in certain soil types.
Per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines for Movable Soccer Goal Safety report: "A properly anchored/counter-weighted movable soccer goal is much less likely to tip over. Remember to secure the goal to the ground (preferably at the rear of the goal), making sure the anchors are flush with the ground and clearly visible. It is IMPERATIVE that ALL movable soccer goals are always anchored properly (see Figure 2).
There are several different ways to secure your soccer goal. The number and type of anchors to be used will depend on a number of factors, such as soil type, soil moisture content, and total goal weight.
Always check to make sure goals are properly anchored before practicing or competing.
If you spot a goal that is not anchored, or improperly anchored, it is advised to discontinue use of the goal, keep a safe distance away, and report it to the individual responsible. Once the goal has been properly anchored play may resume using the goal.
Properly anchoring a goal to manufacturer's specifications will all but eliminate the possibility of the goal tipping over (normal wind conditions would not tip the goal). It is the shared responsibility of schools, clubs, referees, and facility staff to ensure goals are properly anchored for all use. If you are in a position of leadership in your club, make sure you make it a point to train your staff to be vigilant in checking goals before every use.
There is one method in particular that, when properly installed and maintained, eliminate the risk of soccer goal tip-over: ballast systems.
At Soccer Command we carry the SafeSoccer Goal Anchoring System which is a ballast system which secures to the back ground bar of any soccer goal, eliminating the risk of accidental soccer goal tip-over. This ballast system also doubles as wheels to easily move your goal.
It is critical to exercise great caution when moving goals. Only trained, capable adults should move goals. Once goals are moved they should be re-anchored in their new location, even if that location is temporary (e.g. when a coach moves a goal during training sessions).
Never use the 'jump and hang' method to pull a goal's crossbar down to move. This can be very dangerous for reasons listed here. A safer way to lower goals to the ground is by lifting the back frame forward and allowing the goal to fall forward to the ground (assuming the area is clear). If you find you often need to move goals temporarily it is probably worth purchasing and installing wheel sets to your goals or using special equipment like a trailer and ATV-type vehicle. Check out our full selection of soccer goal wheels!
Most incidents of injuries and fatalities related to soccer goal tip-over occurred outside of competition and practice (while goals were left unattended). Here are some ways to help prevent an injury when your goals are not in use:
Although it has not been widely adopted, goal post padding has proven to have a very positive effect on injury prevention.
According to this article written by Lindsay Barton Straus, JD; "After testing padded goal posts in both the laboratory and the field, the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that padded posts do indeed reduce significantly the number and severity of injuries, and are especially effective in reducing injuries to the head. Impact laboratory testing has shown that the force of impact is reduced between thirty-one and sixty-three percent by protective goal post padding."
The upside to goal post padding is a big one. If your goals are used for competitions allowing post padding it might be time to consider whether or not outfitting your goals with padding would be a good fit for you.
We hope this guide helps you understand the potential dangers of improper assembly, installation, use, and storage of soccer goals. Remember; it is everyone's responsibility to ensure soccer goal safety for our athletes.
You can do a lot to help prevent injuries through proper assembly, installation, maintenance, use, and storage, but there is no substitute for supervision. It is always recommended that children and adults practicing or competing have supervision in the event of a tip-over or other emergency. Never practice alone in the event an emergency takes place.
Soccer Command carries a full-range of regulation soccer goals for youth and adults! With our wide variety of options we have the perfect goal for you. Check out our selection of quality regulation soccer goals!
References
http://www.wtae.com/news/10yearold-crushed-to-death-by-soccer-goal-dozens-of-goals-unsecured-in-pa/36553918
https://www.astm.org/Standards
http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122392/soccer.pdf
http://www.momsteam.com/sports/soccer/safety/should-all-soccer-goalposts-be-padded
DISCLAIMER
This guide is intended for use as a general resource for information about soccer goal safety. Soccer Command does not claim or intend to imply this is an all-encompassing document. Soccer Command recommends following all manufacturer's assembly, maintenance, and storage instructions as each goal is unique.
]]>This is a very important part of caring for your soccer ball. Properly preparing for your first inflation sets your ball up for the best possible performance and will increase its longevity.
Before putting your inflation needle into the ball's valve stem, to loosen the bladder on the inside gently unfold the ball as much as possible. You should be able to feel the bladder moving freely inside when you press down with your hands or shake the pre-inflated ball. The only point where the bladder is not free should be where it meets the valve.
After the bladder is loosened, place 1 or 2 drops of valve oil into the valve stem, or onto the inflating needle. After inserting the needle into the valve, move in/out and spin it around to ensure the valve is fully coated in oil. Doing this ensures that the valve will seal properly to prevent premature air loss. When inserting the needle valve oil also helps remove any debris from within the valve which could cause damage. Built up debris within the valve can lead to a dry or damaged valve which will cause the ball to loose air quickly. Sometimes a dry/damaged valve can be revived with valve oil.
IMPORTANT: when first inserting the needle into the valve be careful not to push too hard as you could accidentally puncture the bladder!
Now inflate your ball slowly to the recommended pressure setting range. Most soccer balls have a pressure range of about 10-12 PSI. If you are unsure what pressure range is recommended for your ball, check for writing on the ball around the valve for exact specifications. It is best to use a pressure gauge to measure PSI within the soccer ball. If you don't have one handy, a good rule of thumb is, when properly inflated, with your thumbs on either side of a ball you should be able to push in about 1/2" on both sides.
Inflating your ball slowly allows the bladder to conform its shape to the outer cover. Inflating too quickly can lead to bladder damage resulting in a warped ball.
SS PRO TIP: For a soccer ball that responds better for control, inflate to lowest recommended PSI setting. For a soccer ball that responds better for power, inflate to the maximum recommended PSI setting.
Let your ball rest at recommended pressure for 24 hours before using for training or a match. This allows the bladder and cover to adjust and settle to its new pressure level and ensures optimal shape and performance. Make sure to double check the pressure after the 24 hour settling period to verify it is within your ball's recommended PSI range. This same principle applies if you are inflating after the ball has been stored in a cold temperature (like a garage or car trunk in the winter). Let the ball rest in a room temperature location for 24 hours before inflating.
It is recommended, but not always necessary to clean your soccer ball between every use. The amount of dirt/debris and marks/stains might not be enough to justify the time to clean your ball. However, any soccer ball used on a regular basis and for extended periods of time should be regularly cleaned. The reason for this is to help maintain the surface feel of the ball and to help extend the life of the ball cover (outer lining). Built up debris will invariably increase the wear speed of any ball.
Using lukewarm water, take a mild mixture of dish soap with a sponge and gently scrub the entire ball. For areas where build up is high, use a Brillo-type scrubbing pad to gently scrub away debris and stains. Wipe excess water with a towel and let dry in a dry and airy room-temperature environment for several hours. Although it is tempting, never place on or near a heat source (register, vent, radiator, etc.).
Never use harsh detergents or chemicals to clean your soccer ball as these could have a negative affect on the cover and stitching.
It is totally normal for soccer balls to gradually loose air over the course of a few days to several days after proper inflation. This is especially common in higher-end balls where the bladder material is naturally more porous. For that reason it is important to top off the air in your ball just before using each time. When you re-inflate, always make sure to check PSI with a gauge, or if you must, go by the rule of thumb mentioned above.
When re-inflating it is always a good practice to add 1 or 2 drops of valve oil to the soccer ball valve or inflating needle.
We also recommend using a ball pump that has a flexible hose leading to the needle. Pumps that have needles screwed directly into the pump body create more stress on the valve when moving during pumping and have a greater chance of having the needle break off in the valve during pumping.
SS PRO TIP: Under-inflating a soccer ball will not cause damage when in use while over-inflating can.
SS PRO TIP: Changes in temperature can drastically affect your ball's pressure. For this reason it is especially important to check pressure before a match to ensure proper inflation.
Between uses it is recommended you store your soccer ball in a dry airy room-temperature location. Don't leave it in a hot or cold car trunk, or outside exposed to the elements. This is especially important if you live in a wet climate and often come home from training or matches with wet equipment.
When storing for extended periods of time it is best to reduce the pressure of the ball and leave in a dry location at room temperature. Temperature fluctuations cause stress on the materials which will speed up the wear of your ball.
Another way you can extend the life of your soccer ball is to reduce air pressure between uses. Doing this helps reduce stress on stitching. It might not be practical for your everyday training soccer balls but is recommended for your high-end match balls.
Most balls made by reputable manufacturers come with a warranty to protect the consumer from manufacturer's defects. The most common defects that pop up are bladder and cover stitching related. Be sure to consider if the ball you're purchasing comes with one of these guarantees. You can take perfect care of your ball, but if it is defective from the start, no amount of general care will make it last.
Follow these simple steps above to care for your soccer ball and you will be rewarded with a ball that stands the test of time and operates at peak performance throughout! And by the way, don't sit on your ball unless you want to risk warping it!
Click here to check out our extensive selection of the best soccer balls available for all levels of play. Soccer Command has training balls and match balls from Diadora, Select, Brine, Nike, Under Armour, hummel, and more
]]>Akin to 'bigger, faster, stronger' training, SAQ training focuses the player in on three main areas:
Simply put, you can have the best technique and decision making ability in the world, but it means little if you can't apply them potently in game situations. Developing the physical side of your game through SAQ training will allow your technical and decision making abilities to blossom and will lead to more goals, assists, successful runs, tackles, etc.
There is no secret formula or silver bullet for reaching success. Each and every player is unique with a specific set of physical characteristics and is at a unique point of development at any given moment. While there is no set formula or exercise to achieve your goals, there are many proven ways to improve your game with SAQ training. Below are just a few ideas to help get you started. Some of them require specialized equipment while some can be done with just a pair of proper shoes and the right location.
PRO TIP: Always finish a repetition with a short sprint (when there is space to do so). Meaning, when you finish a run through your speed ladder or hurdles, explode forward to a marker about 5 yards away. This repeated action helps develop your hips and leg muscles for maximum explosiveness.
For other SAQ training ideas, do some quick Internet searching or check out sites like Stack.
A mistake so many players make is relying solely on team training sessions to work on SAQ. Joining in with the team will undoubtedly enhance a player's physical ability, but the real work should be done outside of training, in your back yard, the park, or even in your bedroom. A beautiful thing about SAQ training is that it is not location specific and most exercises can be done with only one person with little or no equipment (no more excuses for breaking your routine when traveling). Committing even 20 to 30 minutes of time 3 to 5 times per week to doing SAQ training on your own will make a massive difference!
And by the way... Soccer Command has the equipment you need to get your SAQ training going successfully! Check out our Training Equipment section for cones, agility poles, speed ladders, low hurdles, speed parachutes, and more!
]]>Did you just volunteer to coach your daughter/son’s soccer team? Is this your first time coaching soccer? After committing to guide a soccer team to glory, many first time coaches are left wondering what they need to keep in their soccer gear bag to ensure smooth practice sessions and for maximum preparedness come game time. If this is you; have no fear and look no further. We’ve got you covered.
Let’s review the essential items no coach should be found without.
First Aid KitFirst and foremost. This one may seem obvious but it is surprising how many coaches will neglect or forget to keep a first aid kit in their bag. There is nothing more important than keeping young athletes safe and to ensure you are prepared for the most common injuries occurring during soccer practice or games. Check out our first aid kits here!
Soccer BallsWhile they do take up a bit of space, it is always a good idea to have at least one ball in your bag (unless of course you plan to keep a separate ball bag full of balls). You don’t want to turn up at practice without a ball and have no players bring theirs. You’ll be dead in the water. Keeping one training-level ball will ensure you’re never left playing freeze tag all practice long. Most youth leagues don’t have standards relating to the quality of ball used in games. However, keeping a certified match ball in your bag means you’ll always be set to play no matter what league you play in. Check out our wide variety of quality soccer balls here!
Hand Pump & Spare NeedlesThere are few things as frustrating as showing up to practice 20-30 minutes early, laying out cones, ready to start only to have players show up with improperly inflated soccer balls. A trick of the trade is to always keep a hand pump & spare needles handy in your bag’s side pocket (a pressure gauge is a bonus). Show your players where to find the pump and let them know how important it is to have a properly inflated ball. This way when those players show up with a flat ball, the first thing they’ll do is pump it up.
Hand pumps where the needle connects directly to the body of the pump experience significantly more stress at the base of the needle each time it is used which makes the needle more susceptible to breaking off (possibly in the ball valve). For that reason we recommend keeping a hand pump with a short hose attachment. The hose relieves the needle of the stress it would otherwise experience if attached directly to the body of the hand pump. Also - keep a few extra needles in case your needle breaks or gets lost. Check out our selection of hand pumps here!
Cones
An assortment of colored cones used for marking out grids and lines are an absolute must for any coach. Most coaches find disc cones useful. Disc cones generally have a lower profile (2” – 3” high) and have a wider base. This shape allows for wind to pass more easily over the cone and because they are more flat players will not get hurt if they fall on the cone. Keeping 11-15 cones in 2 or 3 different colors is usually enough for most coaches.
Also - take it from us, you don’t want the hassle of loose cones in your bag. Do yourself a favor and invest in a cone strap or carrier to keep your cones together, organized, and to prevent unnecessary wear and tear while in transport. Check out our collection of cones and other training gear here!
PinniesAlso known as ‘bibs’ or ‘vests,’ these are a must-have for making your training sessions more efficient. No player wants to have to remember who is on what team when playing 3 on 3. You don’t want your players diverting their mental energy on that task either (which is not game-like). A good rule of thumb with pinnies is to have at least two colors available with enough of each color to outfit about 1/3 of your team. You’ll also want to have enough to allow for a full-field scrimmage while having one team fully in the same color. You also won’t regret having a couple spares in each color for when one goes home in your player’s bag never to be seen again. Check out our collection of cones and other training gear here!
The Bag ItselfYes, it might go without saying, but the bag is as important as the items in it! Skimping on a cheap bag will leave you frustrated in the short term and will likely cost you more in long term replacement cost. Invest in a quality bag that will stand up to rugged use. You’ll be glad you have zippers that work every time, straps that don’t break, and stitching that don’t unravel. Check out our selection of quality bags here!
Waterproof BagsFor those of us not blessed to live in arid climates it is a smart idea to waterproof your bag. A good rule of thumb with most nylon bags is to treat them with one or two coats of Scotch Guard before your first use and each time after cleanings. However, even with preventative Scotch Guard-ing, your bag still might leak. As a fail-safe, keep a large spare industrial garbage bag in your coach bag. That way, when you have serious precipitation on your hands you can pull it out and cover your entire bag. You’ll feel a lot safer about leaving your cell phone, car keys, and wallet in your bag if you know water is not going to get in. You'll also have players lining up to put their electronic devices in your bag! No room for a large garbage bag? At minimum you should keep a good Ziploc bag so you have a spot to protect those items you can’t afford to get wet.
Other ItemsHere are some other items that might not be as key, but will undoubtedly come in handy at one point:
We hope you have a better idea of what the key items your coach’s bag shouldn’t be without. We’ve got everything you need to make sure you’re prepared to guide that team to glory!
]]>This is a question we get on a regular basis. Quality soccer goals are not inexpensive. It's no wonder people why so many people want to know how to get the most out of them. Here we take a dive into the key things you should do to keep your soccer goals in great shape. Here is your guide to caring for your soccer goals.
It all starts here, folks. You might argue initial assembly has the largest bearing on the longevity of your soccer goal. Goals assembled without regard to manufacturer's specifications not only risk breaking or wearing out earlier, they could be a safety risk to players. Always follow manufacturer's assembly instructions to the detail. Always tighten nuts and bolts to specified settings. Over-tightening can lead to stripping of the hardware whereas under-tightening can lead to loosely fitting hardware. This is especially bad because loosely fitting hardware will jostle around when the goal is moved or struck with a soccer ball, and will drastically speed up the wear of your goal and can lead to a break or injury to a player. As a solution to these issues we recommend using a torque wrench when tightening hardware to your goal. It might cost you a few extra bucks to buy one, but it could save you a bundle in the future. Using the torque wrench takes the guesswork out of assembly. It ensures you don't overt-tighten or under-tighten any of your hardware thus preventing stripped holes or loosely fitting hardware. If you are ever unsure how to assemble a goal you should consider consulting a professional, or contacting the manufacturer for guidance.
Most competition level goals are made primarily of aluminum. However, even all-aluminum goals come with steel hardware used to assemble. Another way to help ensure soccer goal longevity is to apply a rust-inhibiting clear coat such as Rust-Oleum on your hardware. This not only coats steel hardware to help prevent rust but also creates a seal to help prevent water and air leaking into the hardware threading. Like the torque wrench, a little money here can save you a grip later.
The truth is soccer goals may still last you 8-10 years even when stored outside. If you have access to an indoor storage space for your soccer goals you should count yourself lucky. The vast majority of goals spend the off-season on the field. By far the best way to keep your goals in the off season is to store them inside (temperature controlled is a big bonus). However, even with a storage facility it can be challenging to find the time or people to help move your goals inside.
One way to mitigate some of the off-season elements is to break down your goals and lean them up against a wall that will shield them from the sun and some wind. You could even drape a tarp over your goals to add protection from UV rays and the elements. Also, by removing your hardware and keeping it inside you will prevent some unnecessary rust and corrosion that would happen if left in the goal.
Soccer goal nets are made to stand up to a significant amount of stress, but will eventually wear out. The average life of a soccer net is around 2 years. Balls striking it, kids climbing it, exposure to sun, rain, snow, temperature fluctuations and wind all contribute to your net wearing out. It is true that no net will last forever, but you can more than double the life of your nets by removing them during long periods of non-use. For example, how often do you see soccer goal nets left on goals through the winter? Have you gone out to use your goals in the Spring after a long snowy Winter to find that the net has become brittle? This is from extended exposure to UV rays major temperature fluctuations, and other elements. Unless you plan to regularly use your goals during that time you're better off taking the nets off and storing them in a temperature controlled space.
It's always a good rule of thumb to check all your goals on an annual basis to make sure they are up to snuff. Check nets for holes, make sure there are enough net fasteners, be sure anchors are present for all goals that will be used for competition, tighten any ill fitting hardware, and check to make sure there are no structural problems or major rust/corrosion issues with the goal frame that would make the goal unsafe. Take time to refinish any areas that are showing rust by sanding down the affected area and coating with touch-up paint. Don't miss this annual opportunity to make necessary repairs and replace any worn nets to keep all your goals safe and in top working condition. You won't regret it.
The bottom line is to treat your goals like you spent a lot of money on them (which you probably did!). Take reasonable measures that are within your means to care for your goals and they will pay you back with added years of use.
Soccer Command carries a wide range of quality soccer goals to fit any budget. Check out our selection of goals, nets, and goal accessories. Contact us for special pricing for clubs, schools, and leagues!
info@soccercommand.com | 612-405-4292
Finding the right soccer ball can be a real challenge. With scores of brands, wildly varying price points, and literally countless variations it is understandable that soccer players in every age group are left with their head spinning when trying to find the best soccer ball for them.
We're here to help you find the right soccer ball! Here are the top 5 things to look for when choosing a soccer ball.
Soccer balls range in size from 1 to 5. Each size differs in circumference and the age group that it is suitable for. Size 1 is the smallest size and is designed for the youngest players. Size 1 is also commonly used for promotional purposes, or as a skill development ball for players of any age group. Size 5 is the largest soccer ball size and is designed for older youth and adult soccer players. Here is a chart outlining each size, measurements, and general age group. You can click the rows below to view our selection of soccer balls in each size.
Soccer Balls
Size | Circumference | Ages Used |
5 | 27 - 28 in | 12 and up |
4 | 25 - 26 in | 8 to 12 |
3 | 23 - 24 in | 8 and under |
1 | 18 - 20 in | Small children |
Futsal Balls
Size | Circumference | Ages Used |
Senior (size 4) | 25 - 26 in | 13 and up |
Junior (size 3) | 23 - 24 in | 12 and under |
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to check with your school or club to make sure the size you buy is the correct one for you.
The outer layer of construction of each soccer ball is known as the cover and is made using a synthetic leather of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Better ball covers are usually constructed with PU. Some lower-end training balls are made using PVC.
The most common panel construction is 32-panels, although some modern soccer balls have an 18 or 26 panel design. 32 panel soccer balls offer a more true flight whereas other options can create more "swerve" when kicked with force.
Soccer balls of the highest quality, like those used in professional soccer and with elite soccer players, have their panels hand-stitched. Machine stitching is usually found on middle-quality balls. Low-end balls used for training, recreation, or promotion often have their panels glued or molded which creates a harder feel.
There are usually many layers of lining between the soccer ball cover and the bladder of the ball, which creates strength. On high quality soccer balls, a foam layer is often included to add softness. This feature often differentiates the high quality ball from the low quality ball.
There are two main types of bladders used in construction of soccer balls:
Latex bladders will naturally lose air faster than butyl bladders. Whereas a butyl bladder can retain air for a couple of weeks, a latex bladder needs to be topped off at least weekly.
Futsal bladders are filled with foam to dampen their bouncing characteristics.
There are three standards, or approvals, you should be aware of when purchasing a soccer ball. Your ball might need to meet specifications for use in a league or competition.
Soccer balls used in American high school competitions must be NFHS approved.
We've all heard of FIFA in terms of professional soccer and the World Cup. But did you know there are three levels of FIFA approved soccer balls? Basic, Quality, and Quality Pro. Only the highest quality soccer balls are FIFA approved. Here's what fifa.com has to say,
"The FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs is a test programme for outdoor, futsal and beach soccer balls. Manufacturers can enter into a licensing agreement to use the prestigious FIFA Quality Pro and FIFA Quality marks on footballs that have passed a rigorous testing procedure. The FIFA Quality Programme tests are used to assess footballs under laboratory conditions, subjecting them to even tougher conditions than they will probably ever endure during a normal game. Only balls that pass these tests receive one of the FIFA quality marks: FIFA Quality or the even higher standard, FIFA Quality Pro. How does a ball receive a FIFA mark? A ball must successfully pass the seven tests described in detail on this website to earn the FIFA Quality mark. The tests check the ball’s weight, circumference, roundness, bounce, water absorption, loss of pressure and shape and size retention. To gain the top FIFA Quality Pro mark, a ball must pass these seven tests under even more demanding conditions."
IMS is an old standard which was replaced by FIFA Basic and FIFA Quality certifications. Soccer balls that pass a less stringent testing process than FIFA can be IMS approved. We see many moderate to high quality balls bear the IMS logo.
We hope this list of the top 5 things to look for when you're choosing a soccer ball provides you with a solid base of information to help make your soccer ball shopping a little easier. We have a full lineup of soccer balls for soccer players of all ages and levels, which you can find here! If you have any questions or need help with making a selection, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
]]>If you have been paying attention recently you will have heard the news about some significant changes to youth soccer in the United States. This fall USSF (aka US Soccer Federation), the governing body of soccer in the US, announced the implementation of some important player development initiatives. The changes come namely in the form of small sided game standard alterations, and birth year registration date changes. The overarching goal of these changes is to "develop players with more: individual skill, intelligence, creativity and confidence."
As part of the small sided standards changes US Soccer is requesting that clubs change goal sizes for U6-U12 age groups (see chart from US Soccer below).
Clubs will need to make sure their teams have access to play games on fields equipped with updated goal sizes. This might be the clubs' responsibility if they own the fields and/or goals, or it might be the responsibility of the athletic facility where your club plays their games.
US Soccer recommends that, as a best practice, clubs make changes and have new goals in place by August 2016. US Soccer is requesting these changes to be in place by August 2017. At that point clubs will be expected to be compliant with all the new standards.
We would be honored to assist you with our expert knowledge in situating your club with the highest quality, longest lasting goals on the market. Please have a look at our selection 4' x 6' goals and 6.5' x 18.5' goals. If you need any assistance, or if you are looking to order more than two sets of goals (pairs) please contact us at info@soccercommand.com or at 612-405-4292 for information about special pricing.
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