Equipment list for the new youth field hockey player.

Here’s a youth-specific essentials list, trimmed down to exactly what a beginner needs (and nothing extra). This setup will meet almost all youth league and school requirements.

🏑 Must-Have Equipment (Youth Field Player)

1. Field Hockey Stick

• Length:

  • Under 4'6" → 30"–32"

  • 4'6"–5'2" → 32"–34"

• Material: Wood or fiberglass (more forgiving + cheaper for beginners)

• Tip: When the stick stands upright, it should hit around the hip bone

2. Ball

• Smooth youth field hockey ball

• Teams often provide balls, but it’s good to have one at home

3. Protective Gear (Non-Negotiable)

• Shin guards

  • Field hockey–specific preferred

  • Must cover shin to top of ankle 

• Mouthguard

  • Required in games & practices

  • Boil-and-bite is totally fine for kids

• Cleats

  • Soccer or field hockey cleats

• Tall socks/Sleeves

  • Cover shin guards completely

🎒 Nice-to-Have (But Super Helpful)

• Stick bag or backpack

• Water bottle (spill-proof)

• Hair ties / headband

• Sunscreen

• Extra socks

🧤 Optional (League-Dependent)

• Left-hand glove (great for beginners)

• Protective Mask (required in many youth leagues—check rules!)

💡 Parent Pro Tips

• Don’t size up “to grow into it” — too long = harder to control

• Cheap sticks are okay for year one

• Label EVERYTHING (sticks, shin guards, bags)