As the HB Chargers Youth Football season gears up, one of the most common questions from parents is: “What gear does my athlete need?” This guide breaks down what’s required, what’s optional, and where to find it.

Required Items – Provided by the League

Helmet and Shoulder Pads

The HB Chargers provide helmets and shoulder pads for all tackle football players. However, families who wish to purchase their own helmet and pads must ensure the equipment meets league safety standards.

If you plan to buy your own:

• Helmets must be properly fitted and fully assembled, including securely installed inner padding, face mask, and chin strap attachments.
• Shoulder pads must be properly fitted and offer full chest and shoulder protection.

Note: All personal gear must be inspected by coaching staff before use to ensure they’re compliant with safety standards.

Practice Jersey

• Players will be provided with a practice jersey that must be worn at all practice sessions.
• A Comfortable shirt should be worn underneath the pads and practice jersey.

Required Items – NOT Provided by the League

Mouthpiece

• Must have a lip guard.
• Mouthpieces with the color red (including any variation) or clear are prohibited. 
• A strap is not required but recommended.
• Should fit securely and allow for easy breathing.

Sample:

• Under Armour Lip Guard for Football With Strap

Knee Pad Inserts

• Game pants do not include sewn-in knee pads; you must provide them.
• Ensure proper fit and coverage.

Sample:

• Football Knee Pad Inserts

Chin Strap

• Must be compatible with your athlete’s helmet.
• Recommend options with extra padding or hard cup protection.

Sample:

• Riddell Hard Cup Chinstrap 

Practice Pants – Integrated

• Integrated pants come with all the pads you need sewn into them already. 
• Coach will designate the color (white or black). 

Sample:

• Schutt Youth Integrated Football Pants

5-Pad Integrated Girdle

• Must wear under game uniform pants; includes thigh, hip, and tailbone pads.

Samples:

• Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle with Hip, Tailbone and Thigh Pads  
• Nike Pro Hyperstrong Football Short

Athletic Cup

• Recommended for protection in all contact sports.
• Integrated shorts with built-in cup pocket preferred.

Samples:

• Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts with BioFlex Cup
• Shock Doctor BioFlex Athletic Cup

Cleats

• Cleats must be football-specific (no metal spikes or baseball cleats) and fit snugly.
• Molded rubber or plastic studs.

• Mid or high-top options are available for added ankle support.

Samples:

• Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark – Affordable, lightweight, and durable (great youth starter cleat).
• Under Armour Highlight Franchise RM – Mid-high top cleat for extra ankle support.
• Adidas Freak Spark 23 – Sleek design, good for skill positions.

Tip: Try cleats on with football socks for an accurate fit. Break them in during practices—don’t wait for game day!

Knee-High Football Socks

• Moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet dry.
• Full knee length to cover the lower leg under pants
• Make sure the fit is snug but not restrictive at the top to prevent slipping.
• We will confirm the required sock color(s) for games during uniform handouts.
• Having a few pairs on hand is always helpful for practice and as backups.

Sample:

• TCK Football Socks (ProDRI) – Durable, stay in place, available in many colors

Optional Gear

Guardian Cap

• Soft-shell helmet cover for practice and/or games.
• Helps reduce impact and prolong helmet life.

Sample:

• guardiancaps.com

Back Plate

• Protects lower back; attaches to shoulder pads.
• Recommended for linemen and skill players.

Sample:

• Battle Back Plate

Padded Shirt – Chest and Rib Protector

• Adds torso protection; worn under shoulder pads.

Sample:

• 5-Pad Compression Padded Shirt 

Visor 

• Visors shield players’ eyes from potential injuries like finger pokes or flying debris.
• Some options offer protection from harmful UV rays, reducing glare and eye strain.
• Certain visors enhance color contrast, making it easier for players to distinguish objects on the field, like the ball against the green grass.
• Visors must be clear – tint/colored visors are prohibited. 
• Visors should be installed securely, ensuring they don’t interfere with vision or move excessively.
• Visors should be compatible with the specific helmet and facemask model.

Sample:

• Oakley Legacy PRIZM Football Eyeshield

Football Gloves

• Football can provide advantages in terms of grip, protection, and comfort.
• It is recommended that receivers are running backs use gloves with better grip, while linebackers and lineman should choose gloves that have more padding. 

Samples:

• Adizero Receiver Gloves
• Force 6.0 Lineman Gloves

Other Equipment Tips and Guidelines

• Athletes who wear prescription glasses must wear shatterproof lenses and be secured with a strap.
• Have your player try everything on before they wear them to practice or a game.
• Check helmet & shoulder pad fit throughout the season as players grow.
• Label everything!

While the team provides essential gear, investing in a few high-quality personal items can increase comfort, performance, and safety. If you’re unsure about purchasing specific gear, ask your coach or equipment coordinator for guidance.

Let’s gear up for a safe, strong, and successful season—Go Chargers!