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As summer draws to a close and the ‘Back to School’ season begins, it’s time to gear up for the new academic year—bringing both the excitement and a bit of the usual back-to-school rush.
For parents getting ready for Back to School 2024, it’s about more than just crossing off uniforms and supplies from your list; it’s also essential to find the right football boots and gear for your kids.
One of the most critical—yet often overlooked—pieces of kit is the PE essentials, particularly football boots. Ensuring your child has the appropriate footwear can pave the way for a successful year on the field, and we’re here to guide you in making the best choice.
Skip To:
#1. When Does the School Term Start?
#2. Surface Types Explained: Choosing the Right Football Boots for Kids
#3. Budget-Friendly Football Boots for Back to School
#4. Must-Have Football Accessories for the New School Year
When do the kids go back to school?
Heads up, parents! Most schools will be welcoming students back on Monday, September 2nd, 2024.
To be fully prepared, make sure to check the exact dates for your region on the GOV.UK website.
Selecting the Best Football Boots for Kids in 2024
Choosing the right football boots is crucial to your child’s comfort, performance, and injury prevention.
While it might seem daunting, understanding the surface type your child will be playing on at school is the essential first step. Our guide below will help you find the perfect pair in no time.
Navigating Surface Types
The most important factor when selecting football boots is the playing surface your child will encounter.
If you’re new to football, you might think, “Well, they’ll play on the football pitch, right?” While that’s true, it’s not that straightforward!
But don’t worry!
If your child’s school has provided details on the type of boots needed—be it Firm Ground (FG), Soft Ground (SG), Astro Turf, or Indoor—that’s a great starting point.
If not, we’ve got you covered. It all begins with understanding the surface type.
Firm Ground (FG)
Firm Ground Football Boots, often referred to as ‘FG Boots,’ are designed for natural grass pitches where the ground is firm and the grass is short.
These boots are commonly used in UK schools due to the typically dry or slightly damp conditions of school fields.
FG boots, like the Mercurial Vapor Elite, are equipped with molded studs or blades that provide excellent traction and stability on firm surfaces.
Soft Ground (SG)
Soft Ground Football Boots, or ‘SG Boots,’ are ideal for natural grass pitches that are soft or wet.
These boots feature longer studs, often made of metal or plastic, designed to dig into the ground, offering superior traction and stability in muddy or slippery conditions.
Astro Turf (TF)
Astro Turf Football Boots are engineered for 2G, 3G, and 4G pitches, which are sand-filled or dressed. These pitches are often used for PE lessons when natural grass is too muddy.
Durable and designed for heavy use, Astro Turf boots replace traditional studs with rubber grip textures, ensuring excellent traction on sandy surfaces and reducing the risk of slips or injuries.
Indoor Court (IC)
Indoor Court shoes feature a flatter sole with stud-like grooves for enhanced grip on indoor surfaces like maple, polyurethane, and vinyl, commonly found in school sports halls.
These shoes are perfect for indoor games like 5-a-side or Futsal, keeping your child stable during fast-paced indoor matches.
The Best Back-to-School Bargains
Blackout Boots are a hit this 2024/25 season, combining style and school PE compliance—perfect for your kids!
We’ve curated the best back-to-school deals on kids’ football boots, considering players of all levels—from beginners to those who shine at the club level.
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Beginner Level (£28-50)
For many parents, finding cost-effective football boots is essential, and who doesn’t love a great back-to-school deal? We’ve gathered some of the top kids’ football boots under £50 to help you find the perfect pair for your young footballer starting their journey.
Explore fantastic deals on high-quality football boots for kids just beginning their football adventure below.
In this section:
Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Club
Even legends evolve, and with the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Club Football Boots, your child can too, regardless of their playing level.
Packed with performance-enhancing features, these boots offer a snug fit with their stretchy double-layered mesh and superior ball control with strategically placed micro-dots.
Nike’s FlyTouch Lite leather adds comfort, and the foam midsole provides extra support, helping your young footballer focus on perfecting their skills.
Start the school year with goals, assists, and standout performances with the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Club Football Boots, available from £45.
Tech Specs
- Durable synthetic leather upper; cushioned EVA insole; molded rubber outsole designed for Firm Ground (FG) surfaces.
adidas F50 Club
The adidas F50 Club Football Boots offer exceptional value for young players who want quality without breaking the bank. These boots are a great choice for 2024, combining affordability with impressive performance.
Though they lack the advanced features of the Elite version, the F50 Club still delivers solid performance with targeted support and cushioning. The breathable Fiberskin upper and textile lining ensure comfort during play.
The 3D control lines at key contact zones improve every touch, strike, and dribble, making these boots ideal for quick, agile movements on the pitch.
Tech Specs:
- Lightweight Fiberskin upper for comfort and agility
- Breathable textile lining
- 3D control lines for enhanced touch during play
- TPU outsole for stability on firm ground surfaces
Puma Future 7 Play
Kick off the new school year by giving your child an edge on the field with the Puma Future 7 Play Football Boots. These boots are a game-changer, offering incredible value at just £28.
Designed for speed, they feature a stretch collar for a snug fit, textured detailing for superior ball control, and a Dynamic Motion System soleplate for quick moves on the pitch.
Whether your child aims to make the school’s A team or just enjoys the game, these boots will help them start the school year with a bang!
Tech Specs:
- Stretch-fit collar for a snug, sock-like fit
- Textured upper for enhanced ball control
- Dynamic Motion System soleplate with conical and bladed studs for multi-directional traction on firm ground surfaces
Intermediate Level (£35-85)
If your child is advancing in their football skills, it’s time to invest in boots that match their growing abilities. As they move beyond the basics, mastering essential skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting, they’ll need boots that support their progress on the field.
In this section:
Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Academy
A top choice for intermediate players, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Academy Football Boots offer incredible value at just £65. These boots are engineered for speed and precision, perfect for young players who are beginning to shine on the field.
Designed to mimic the feeling of playing barefoot, the synthetic NikeSkin upper features chevrons and an intuitive pull tab and strap design, eliminating the need for traditional laces. The dynamic fit collar and stretch mesh knit provide superior flexibility and support, making these boots a game-changer.
The soleplate’s wave-like traction pattern, coupled with cascading studs, ensures exceptional grip and agility, whether your child is controlling the midfield or striking goals.
Tech Specs
- NikeSkin upper for close ball control and a barefoot feel
- Dynamic fit collar for ankle support
- Wave-like stud configuration for enhanced traction and speed on firm ground surfaces
adidas Predator 24 League
The adidas Predator 24 League stands out as an excellent choice for intermediate players looking for high performance at an affordable price.
At just £35, these boots are perfect for PE sessions, school competitions, and local league matches.
Featuring a Hybridfeel upper with 3D texturing and Strikescale fins, these boots enhance grip and precision, making every touch and strike count. The low-cut collar ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing for quick and agile movements.
The Controlplate 2.0 outsole provides stability and easy side-stepping, helping your child dominate the pitch with confidence.
Tech Specs
- Hybridfeel upper for adaptive comfort
- Strikescale 3D fins for superior ball grip and control
- Controlplate outsole with hybrid stud configuration for stability and precise movements on firm ground surfaces
Puma Ultra Match
For the young speedsters aiming to emulate their football heroes, the Puma Ultra Match Football Boots offer everything they need to excel. Priced at just £55, these boots are packed with technology designed to enhance speed and ball control.
With GripControl skin technology, these boots provide exceptional ball handling, while the innovative SPEEDSYSTEM soleplate ensures lightweight responsiveness and optimal energy return.
The low-cut slip-on design, complete with a handy pull tab, makes them easy to wear, so your child can focus on outpacing the competition.
Tech Specs
- GripControl Pro coating for enhanced ball handling
- Ultra-light SPEEDSYSTEM outsole for rapid movements
- Low-profile design for a close-to-ground feel on firm ground surfaces
Pro-Level Football Boots (£70 – 175)
For the young footballer who has already mastered their skills and is performing at a high level, pro-level football boots are essential. These players are often the stars of their school teams or local clubs, and their boots need to match their advanced abilities on the pitch.
In this section:
Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro
When it comes to pro-level boots, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro sets a new standard. Nike has incorporated a full one-piece Flyknit upper into the Pro silo for the first time, creating the lightest and most durable Mercurial yet.
Designed for top-tier performance, these boots feature strategically placed side panels that enhance control and ball connection.
The revolutionary wave-like traction pattern on the soleplate, with cascading chevron and bladed studs, maximizes grip and agility, helping your child make swift, decisive moves on the field.
Tech Specs
- One-piece Flyknit upper for an adaptive, sock-like fit
- Supportive side panels for stability during lateral movements
- Air Zoom unit integrated into the sole for responsive cushioning
- Innovative traction pattern with chevron studs for maximum grip on firm ground surfaces
adidas Predator 24 Elite
The adidas Predator 24 Elite is the ultimate boot for young footballers aiming for peak performance. Endorsed by top players and packed with cutting-edge features, this boot is perfect for those who want to dominate the game.
With a HybridTouch 2.0 synthetic suede upper and Strikeskin elements strategically placed in key zones, the Predator 24 Elite provides precision and power.
The traditional lace closure and two-piece collar ensure a secure fit, making these boots ideal for high-stakes matches.
Tech Specs
- HybridTouch 2.0 synthetic upper for superior touch and lightweight comfort
- Strikeskin elements for enhanced power and control in striking zones
- Controlframe outsole with split tooling for stability and agility
- Aggressive stud configuration for optimal traction on firm ground surfaces
Puma Future 7 Pro
As your child steps onto the field this school year, the Puma Future 7 Pro Football Boots will ensure they do so with confidence and style. These boots, part of the striking ‘Eclipse Pack Colourway’, are designed for standout performance.
What sets the Puma Future 7 Pro apart is the PWRTAPE technology, which provides unbeatable foot lockdown, ensuring a secure fit during intense matches.
Combined with an advanced lace closure system, these boots offer a comfortable fit that adapts to the natural shape of your child’s foot, making them a top choice for pro-level play.
Personalise Your Child’s Football Boots at Lovell Soccer
Want to add a unique touch to your child’s football boots? At Lovell Soccer, you can personalise their boots with their initials or even the name of their favorite player—at no extra cost!
It’s a special detail that can make a big difference in how they feel on the field.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity—add a personal touch to your back-to-school shopping today!
Must-Have Back-to-School Football Gear
To help your child perform at their best during school sports, it’s essential to ensure they have the right football accessories. Equip them with the gear they need to enhance their game and enjoy every moment on the pitch!
In this Section:
- Football Socks
- Shin Pads
- Goalkeeper Gloves
- Boot Buddy Shoe & Boot Cleaner
- PE Bags
- Football Boot Bags
Football Socks
A key component of any PE kit: football socks are a must-have!
To ensure your child meets school uniform standards, we recommend the sleek and comfortable Nike Academy football socks in black.
With Nike’s Dri-Fit technology, these socks help wick away moisture, keeping your child cool and dry even during intense matches.
Shin Pads
Protective gear is essential on the football pitch, and shin pads are a must for safeguarding your child’s legs during play.
Shin pads offer crucial protection for the lower legs, reducing the risk of injuries from tackles and collisions. Designed to absorb and dissipate impact, they provide peace of mind for both parents and young players.
Our top pick, the Nike Charge Shin Pads for kids, are not only stylish but also highly durable. With dense foam to diffuse impact and a contoured design for a tailored fit, these pads stay securely in place, allowing your child to focus on their game.
Goalkeeper Gloves
For any aspiring goalkeeper, a reliable pair of gloves is essential.
While it might be tempting to invest in high-end gloves, sometimes a more budget-friendly option can be just as effective for young players.
The adidas Tiro Club Goalkeeper Gloves are a fantastic choice for budding goalkeepers, offering a durable soft grip palm that ensures easy ball handling.
The positive finger cut provides a comfortable fit, while the touch tape fastening strap at the wrist cuff keeps the gloves secure during play. At just £10, these gloves are a great deal for the back-to-school season.
Boot Buddy Boot Cleaner
Keep your child’s football boots in top condition with the Boot Buddy Shoe & Boot Cleaner—a quick and efficient tool for removing mud and grime.
Featured on Dragons’ Den and winner of the Horner Bottlemarkers’ prize, the Boot Buddy is a 3-in-1 tool that makes cleaning boots a breeze.
With a 300ml water capacity, a mud scraper, and a bristle head, this innovative cleaner tackles even the most stubborn dirt. Not only does it keep boots looking new, but it also helps extend their lifespan.
School PE Bags
An essential for every student: a sturdy PE bag to carry their sports gear.
With a wide range of styles, designs, and price points available, Lovell Soccer has you covered for all your child’s school sports needs.
Whether they prefer a club-themed bag or a simple design, you’ll find the perfect PE bag to suit their style and needs.
Football Boot Bags
Tired of finding mud all over your child’s PE kit? A boot bag is the perfect solution!
Starting at just £6, a boot bag is an excellent way to keep muddy boots separate from the rest of your child’s gear, preventing any messy surprises.
Say goodbye to post-PE cleaning stress and keep their kit organized with a durable boot bag.
Like what you see?
There’s much more to discover! Explore the best deals on kids’ back-to-school football boots and accessories at Lovell Soccer for a hassle-free shopping experience.