We have all been in that position where we love our soccer gear so much, that we just can’t seem to let it go. Despite the protests from our partners.
Whether it is superstition or for reasons of comfort, it can be tough to know when it’s time to blow the final whistle on that gear.
Aside from the obvious, like the stitching blowing out of your favorite ball, use these tips to help decide when you should give up on your old soccer gear.
New season
New season lines from major brands is a fantastic time to upgrade your equipment. Not only will it give you a fresh new look, but a majority of brands these days are using new technology to help boost performance. This is particularly true for new soccer boots.
From foot support, often made from material thinner than hair but stronger than steel, to microchips that can track your movement across the pitch – the offerings for new soccer boots today go beyond simply the color or design of the laces.
Instead of dealing with the holes in the old favorites, try upgrading this season to a performance focused boot.
Pop up
If you still use hats, cones or whatever you can get your hands on as practice goals, then it might be time to upgrade. Practicing to hit a target can really help improve your skills in front of goal, with the added bonus of not having to fetch the ball.
New equipment like pop up and foldable goals make it easy to practice anywhere, anytime. 5-a-side games with friends, or even solo backyard practice, are that much easier with the right equipment.
Portable goals are a great way to change the dynamic of your sessions and are very easy to store with carry bags included with most options in the market.
Pump it up
Every soccer fan, player or casual kicker has at some stage been attached to their favorite ball. It might be the branded ball of your team or a ball you have hit countless world class goals with, whatever the case it can be tough to say goodbye.
If you find yourself pumping up your ball before every kick, that is a sign it’s time to upgrade. Slow leaks and punctures are a soccer player’s worst nightmare.
Thankfully, there are great styles constantly hitting the market, and available at a small cost.
New technology and materials have made new soccer balls that much better. From the feel to the curve, you won’t regret upgrading when you are scoring free kicks like the greats.
The Kit
As a soccer fan, there is one piece of equipment we all hold dear and grow very attached to. The jersey or shirt of your favorite club is an item to treasure, but one that can be hard to know when to part with.
A quick sense check on a few obvious deal breakers can help you know when it’s time to upgrade. If your jersey has holes, is faded or is losing the badge, it’s time to get a replacement.
Don’t hang on to that jersey for nostalgia, especially if it’s so old and tattered people can’t even work out who you support.
Upgrading your soccer equipment can seem like a straightforward purchase, but introduce superstition or emotional attachment and it can become an entirely different battle.
Hanging onto old equipment because of comfort or familiarity can happen. Instead of lingering with tattered equipment, use these tips to help you time your decision to upgrade your soccer equipment.
