What should kids wear for football training in winter

Winter football training often brings the same questions every year.

What should they wear?

Is it too cold?

Are they going to get ill?

Grab a coffee, because this really doesn’t need to be complicated. Dressing correctly for football training in winter is about layers, balance, and common sense, not piling everything on at once.

Winter football training

Training through the winter months is completely normal in grassroots football. In fact, it’s often some of the most enjoyable football of the season.

Cold weather doesn’t stop players from working hard. If anything, it keeps energy levels high. The key is making sure players are dressed so they can stay warm without overheating.

Football training in cold weather should allow players to move freely, stay dry, and focus on football rather than how cold they feel.

What to wear for football training in winter

The best approach is simple. Layering.

Not bulky coats. Not tracksuit bottoms. And definitely not “everything they own”.

A sensible winter football kit usually looks like this:

• Base layer (top skin) to help retain warmth

• Training hoodie or zipped top worn over the base layer

• Football shorts, as normal

• Base layer leggings (bottom skin) under the shorts

• Football socks worn over the leggings

• Hat, gloves, and neck warmer when needed

This setup keeps warmth close to the body while still letting players move naturally.

Cold weather? No problem. The right layers keep players warm, comfortable, and focused on football.

If you’re ever unsure what’s suitable, our club store includes official PCFA kit, including cold weather training items that are designed specifically for football. It takes a bit of the guesswork out, especially in winter, and ensures players are training in kit that’s practical, comfortable, and suitable for the conditions.

Why overdressing can cause problems

This surprises a lot of parents.

Overdressing can actually make things worse.

When players wear too many layers, they sweat more. Once that sweat cools, especially during breaks or water stops, the body temperature drops quickly. That’s when players start to feel cold.

So instead of staying warm, they end up hot, sweaty, then cold.

The aim during winter football training is to stay:

• warm

• dry

• comfortable

Not boiling.

Football base layers and why they matter

Base layers are one of the most important pieces of winter football clothing.

They sit close to the skin and help regulate body temperature. They also wick sweat away, which is exactly what you want during football training in cold weather.

Both top skins and bottom skins are useful, especially on frosty evenings or early morning sessions. Just remember, one of each is enough.

No doubling up.

Hats, gloves and neck warmers

These are optional, but often very helpful.

Hands, ears and necks feel the cold first. A warm hat and gloves can make a big difference, especially during warm-ups.

Neck warmers are great too. They’re easy to pull up or down depending on how warm the player feels.

The good thing about accessories is they’re easy to remove mid-session if needed.

Is it safe to train football in winter?

Yes, when done properly.

Youth football winter training is safe as long as:

• players are dressed appropriately

• sessions are well managed

• weather conditions are sensible

Cold alone isn’t dangerous. Poor preparation is.

Coaches will always monitor conditions and adjust sessions when needed. Parents just need to make sure players turn up dressed for the weather, not the sofa.

Helping players enjoy winter training

Kids don’t usually mind the cold as much as adults think they do.

What they hate is:

• feeling restricted

• being too hot

• or being uncomfortable

The right winter football clothing helps players enjoy sessions, stay confident, and get the most out of training.

And when they enjoy it, they learn more. Simple as that.

FAQ:

What should kids wear for football training in winter?

Kids should wear a base layer top, a training hoodie or zipped top, football shorts, base layer leggings under the shorts, and football socks over the leggings. Hats, gloves and neck warmers can be added depending on the temperature.

Can kids wear tracksuit bottoms for football training?

Tracksuit bottoms are generally not recommended for football training as they restrict movement and can cause players to overheat. Base layer leggings under shorts are a better option for winter football training.

Can overdressing make kids colder during football training?

Yes. Overdressing can cause players to sweat too much. When activity levels drop, sweat cools and body temperature can fall quickly, making players feel colder than if they were dressed correctly.