Early January in Australia means two things for football fans: the A-League is in full swing, and pre-season for grassroots and community teams is just around the corner. With the Matildas building towards a massive 2026 Women’s Asian Cup on home soil, there’s never been a better time to reset your routine and get properly set up for the year.
This football pre-season checklist is built for Aussie conditions. Whether you’re playing NPL, park football, school comps or coaching a junior side, it will help you sort your boots, balls, training gear and kit so you can hit the ground running.
Why a smart 2026 pre-season matters in Australia
A good pre-season does more than get your fitness back:
- It reduces injury risk, especially with Australia’s hard, dry summer pitches.
- It lets you experiment with new positions, playing styles and formations.
- It gives junior and community teams a chance to reset standards and build culture.
With the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup coming to Australia in March, there’s also a huge wave of inspiration on the way. Using that buzz to sharpen your own preparation – and that of your team – starts with having the right gear ready to go.
This football pre-season checklist will walk you through four key areas:
- Boots matched to Aussie pitches and your position.
- Balls and training equipment for sharper sessions.
- Match kit and protective gear you can rely on.
- Smarter session planning that makes the most of your gear.
Step 1 – Lock in the right football boots for your surface
Your boots are the most important item on your football pre-season checklist. In Australia, pitches can swing from rock-hard in February to softer and heavier once the rain arrives, so choosing the right soleplate and fit really matters.
Match your studs to the pitches you’ll play on
Think about where you’ll train and play most of your games:
- Hard, dry grass or artificial turf: Look for FG (firm ground) or AG (artificial ground) boots with shorter, more numerous studs that spread your weight and reduce stud pressure.
- Softer, heavier grass: Consider more aggressive FG soleplates or, for higher levels, SG (soft ground) options with longer, replaceable studs.
- Multi-surface reality: If you bounce between different grounds, a modern FG/AG hybrid soleplate is often the most practical choice.
Soccer World’s latest boots range features popular silos like adidas Predator, Copa, F50 and X, along with options from other leading brands, so you can match your stud pattern to your main surface rather than guessing.
Choose a boot that suits your role and feel
Position and playing style should also shape your boot choice:
- Explosive wingers and forwards: Lightweight boots with a snug fit and grippy upper help with acceleration and clean strikes.
- Ball-playing midfielders: Models focused on touch and passing control – often with slightly more padding or textured uppers – give you confidence receiving and recycling the ball.
- Defenders and holding mids: A more structured boot with good lockdown and stability pays off in tackles, aerial duels and quick changes of direction.
Make sure you:
- Try boots in late afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen – similar to match conditions.
- Leave a small thumb’s width at the toe but avoid excess movement inside the boot.
- Check women’s-specific and kids’ sizing if you’re buying for different age groups or foot shapes.
Step 2 – Upgrade your balls and training equipment
You can’t run quality pre-season sessions without the right tools. A couple of smart upgrades to your training equipment go a long way, especially if you’re a coach or a parent helping run drills.
Training balls that match how you play
At minimum, aim for:
- 1–2 match-quality balls for game scenarios and finishing drills.
- A small set of durable training balls for passing patterns, rondos and possession games.
Replica designs like the Mitre A-League training balls give players a familiar feel while being tough enough for weekly use. For juniors, stick to the right size:
- Size 3: Miniroos and younger age groups.
- Size 4: Most junior and youth teams.
- Size 5: Senior and advanced youth sides.
Core training equipment for sharp, simple sessions
You don’t need a full professional setup. A basic kit of training gear can completely change the quality of your pre-season:
- Flat markers and cones: For small-sided pitches, dribbling lanes and warm-up drills.
- Agility poles and ladders: Great for change-of-direction work and defensive footwork.
- Training bibs in multiple colours: To quickly organise small-sided games and conditioned drills.
Soccer World’s training equipment range covers everything from agility poles to mesh bibs in different sizes, making it easy to put together a portable “coach’s kit” that lives in your boot all season.
Step 3 – Get your kit and protective gear sorted
Turning up in the right kit is about more than looking sharp – it’s about comfort, safety and confidence.
Match kit and training wear
Check these basics before pre-season kicks off:
- Training tops and shorts: Lightweight, breathable fabrics that can handle hot summer evenings.
- Match jerseys and supporter gear: Whether you’re in club colours or repping your favourite national team, having a couple of reliable jerseys ready avoids last-minute scrambles.
- Socks: Multiple pairs of properly cushioned football socks so you aren’t rotating the same tired pair every session.
Soccer World’s supporter gear and replica kits include national-team and club options – from major European sides to international teams – alongside more neutral training apparel that works for every session.
Protective gear that actually fits
Too many players treat protective gear as an afterthought. Before pre-season, make sure you have:
- Shin guards that sit comfortably under your socks without sliding.
- Goalkeeper gloves with grip and cushioning appropriate for your level and playing surface.
- Base layers or compression garments for cooler evenings or players prone to muscle tightness.
For juniors, double-check sizing – kids grow fast, and outgrown shin guards or boots are a recipe for blisters and knocks. You can also browse dedicated kids’ football boots so growing players start the season in the right size.
Step 4 – Plan smarter pre-season sessions
Once your gear is sorted, the final item on your football pre-season checklist is how you actually use it. A few simple principles make a big difference:
- Start with the ball: Use your training balls, cones and bibs to keep players on the ball as much as possible, even in fitness blocks.
- Mix technical and physical work: Combine first-touch drills, passing patterns and finishing exercises with short, sharp conditioning.
- Use small-sided games: 3v3s, 4v4s and 5v5s improve decision-making and fitness at the same time.
- Plan position-specific work: Wingers working on 1v1s and crosses, defenders on heading and clearances, midfielders on scanning and combination play.
Having a small but reliable set of training poles, markers and bibs in your kit bag makes it easy to set up these activities quickly, even if you only have an hour at the local park.
Final whistle – Gear up for pre-season with Soccer World
A strong 2026 pre-season isn’t about having the flashiest gear – it’s about having the right gear, ready to go, so you can focus on playing your best football.
If you:
- Choose boots that match your pitches and playing style.
- Invest in a few quality balls and simple training equipment.
- Make sure your kit and protective gear are comfortable and fit properly.
- Plan sessions that use all of the above in smart, game-realistic ways.
…you’ll give yourself and your team a massive head start before round one.
Soccer World is here to help you tick every box on your football pre-season checklist – from the latest boots and replica kits to training balls, agility gear and junior equipment for the next generation of players.
