Soccer is the most popular game in the world. Many people, especially those in poorer countries, find a way to play the game with just a ball. For games that are officially sanctioned by FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, players need equipment for protection purposes. They also need jerseys that identify individual players and distinguish one team from the other.
The Ball
You can't play soccer without a ball. A regulation soccer ball is round and made of leather. It must be no more than 28 inches in circumference, with 8.5 pounds of pressure per square inch. The ball typically has cushioning on the outside, as it is often struck with the head. Most competitive matches require the use a FIFA-approved ball, but any ball can be used for a casual game.
Goal
The object of a soccer game is to score as many goals as possible, so a soccer goal is necessary. The goal can be any rectangular frame, but the official size of a regulation goal is 8 feet high by 24 feet wide. It should be made of wood or metal and have a net attached to collect the balls. Goals vary by size and grow gradually bigger as the players get older. The smallest goals, for players six years old and under, measure four feet tall by six feet wide.
Cleats
Soccer cleats make the game easier and safer to play. They are sometimes referred to as "boots" and are different from cleats for other sports. Soccer cleats are forbidden from having a "toe cleat" on the sole of the shoe for safety purposes. Soccer shoes are made of leather or a synthetic material. They come with either molded or detachable cleats in varying lengths; longer cleats are used on softer ground.
Shin Guards
Shin guards, sometimes called shin pads, are required to play the game at every level. Shin guards are typically made of hard plastic and need to be completely covered by the stocking, according to FIFA's Laws of the Game. The shin guards are designed to provide protection to the shin bones from an errant kick, which can be extremely dangerous and painful.
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