SB Selects Special Edition: Kit Bag Essentials
Summer may be in full swing but the new season is fast approaching. Most of us are back for pre-season training and working hard to shift the results of too much over indulgence. To get you fully prepped for the start of your new campaign we've come up with a difinitive list of what should be in your Kit bag this coming season.
Making sure you're well prepared is essential both for the training ground and pre-match. There's nothing worse than turning up pre-game with your dirty boots in a carrier bag and having to borrow oversized shin pads and a soggy towel. Follow this list and there'll be no such worries, leaving you to concentrate on how you're going to take down that lively left winger. Look good, play good. 
Socks Sock tape - Sock tape is by far the best method of keeping your socks from sagging and now FIFA demands players at all levels of the game to only use tape which is the same colour as the socks themselves. Make sure you have colours for both your home and away kit in the bag and you'll have no worries. 
Shin guard Shin guards stays - Even in training people like to get stuck in. Make sure your well protected when the atmosphere gets a bit tasty and the tackles start flying. Shin guard stays are a handy way to keep your protection from slipping, leaving you to concentrate on the more important things. This combo of Nike Mercurial Blades and Shinpad Guard Stays is a winner. 
TruSox - Professional players realised that they were losing explosiveness and time when they were changing directions on pitch but Luckily so did the ex-sportsmen that are the creators of TRUSOX. Designed to lock your feet inside your boots, Trusox help you change direction faster, push off with optimal power and leave your opponents behind. 
Flip Flops and Towel - The changing room floor is a hotbed of germs and also pretty danm cold in the winter, so you make sure you look after your number one tool, your feet. An easy way to do this is to use flip flops in the changing rooms and showers. Also make sure you dry your feet properly, not doing so can lead to allsorts of nasty things such infections athletes foot. 
Base Layer Shirt and Shorts - In recent years base layer technology have taken them from a winter warmer to an essential piece of year round kit. Benefits of a decent base layer include better blood circulation, temperature control and moisture management, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your game. Check out some of the best options currently available here. 
Training Shirt and Shorts - We know telling you to pack training kit for a training session is a bit obvious but if you forget something and none of your team-mates have any spares you've got two choices; train in your pants or don't train at all. Neither are ideal. There are hundreds to choose from but this Adidas Nitrocharge top is one of our favourites. 
Gloves - One for later on in the season, make sure you have zero distraction on the pitch by making sure your prepared for all weather conditions. These Under Armour Cold Gear gloves do the job nicely by delivering the quickest drying, highest warmth-to-weight ratio fabric in the industry.
Spare Studs and Laces - We've all been there, lacing up pre-game and snap, there go your laces. A frantic search ensues and when you've finally found some and re-laced your boots the rest of the team are half-way through warm-up. Make sure you've got plenty of spares such as these colourful numbers from Pantofola D'oro and also some spare studs (firm and soft ground) such as these from Nike that come in a cool test tube
Water Bottle - A bit of a no-brainer but still essential. Don't rely on your coach to sort the water because the day he forgets your going to suffer. Hydration is super important especially if your training in the current heat wave so chuck one or two in your kit bag and you'll never go thirsty again. 
Trainers - Its not all about set plays and passing drills out on the training ground. You need to keep you fitness up and for that you'll need a decent set of trainers. Make sure you get the right type for your running style, failure to do so can lead to some nasty long term injuries. The best thing about these Nike FlyKnit One's is they not only do the business in the gym but you'll also look good travelling to and from it. 
A Jumper / Hoodie - Make sure you keep yourself warm after the game especially in winter. Cooling off too quick can cause your muscles to tighten and slows recovery. Chuck on a sweater like this vintage hoodie from Nike and a pair of trackies and your good to go.
And of course, don't forget your boots - Football boots are a really personal choice and depend on where you play and what kind of player you are. So for once we'll leave that decision up to you....
What essentials are in your kit bag this coming season? Let us know your thoughts. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
