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Kids Football Training Equipment Guide

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If your kid is football mad, then this guide to a complete list of kids football training equipment is for you.

Whether your kid or kids are mad to train at home, or whether you are coaching the next group of up and coming superstars this will also help you.

We are going to give a quick run down of all the essential kids football training equipment you need for your back yard or local park.

Before you start, don’t forget it’s Summer Camp season!

Check out our Essential Guide to Kids’ Summer Camps here.

Or check out our Summer Shop:

If not, enjoy this blog.

kids football training equipment

Benefits of Kids Training at Home

Before we start with the equipment, it’s important to know the benefits of kids getting involved football training.

It’s amazing what it does for their development.

  1. Health benefits

Like any other physically demanding sport, football is great for your kids health. It will keep them in good shape, boost their stamina and get them exercising regularly.

  1. The Value of Teamwork

Communication skills are so important in football and your kid will learn how to cooperate and work with their teammates.

  1. Encourage Mental Resilience

Your kid is not going to win every game, every race or every drill, no matter how talented they are. So learning to cope with defeat and disappointment, as well as success, is a great lesson for the future.

  1. Better Social Skills

When training with a group, getting involved in a team, your kid will make new friends and meet new people, learning conversation and communication along the way.

  1. Fun

Whether training on their own or with their team, kids love playing football and games. Whether it’s scoring a free kick in their back garden and pretending to be their favourite footballer, or doing it in front of their friends, the joy can be unrivalled.

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Football Cones

One of the most simple but important pieces of kids football training equipment are cones.

Football cones are great to set up and let your kid work on their dribbling skills, mark out boxes or grids or some targets for their passing.

They are cheap, cheerful and easy to carry around.

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Goalposts

Absolutely key for your kids to practice their shooting or goalkeeping.

These pop up goals are lightweight and easy to

Plus, the amount of fun they will have simply kicking goals and points for hours on end is incredible.

Get two, and you will be able to hold fun games for your kids’ friends too.

If you don’t have the space for a full size goals, check out these smaller, pop-up nets:

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Bibs

If your kid has their friends over and they want to play some team games outside, you will need some durable and lightweight bibs.

Or, if you’re coaching your kids’ friends in the park, these are even more important to create teams.

Bibs that are double layered and reversible, like the below, give you much more bang for your buck.

kids football training equipment

Kids’ Football Training Equipment: Footballs

You can never have enough footballs!

Never under estimate the joy a ball of leather filled with air can bring to your kids’.

We’ve got an incredible range of colours, sizes and designs for your kids to enjoy and kick around all day, every day.

kids football training equipment

Kids Football Training Equipment: Hurdles

Returning to the topic of running-related training equipment, training hurdles are an excellent way to simulate running on a football field.

In a football game, there are many various sorts of running, and training hurdles can replicate that.

These are compact and light, and they are a helpful item to have on hand.

kids football training equipment

Kids Football Training Equipment: Football Boots

Kids love football boots.

From a parents’ perspective, they also avoid your kids ruining their good shoes by kicking a football all day.

We’ve got a great range for boys and girls.

kids football training equipment

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog and now have all the tools you need for getting the essential kids football training equipment.

It will be a long summer ahead and hopefully it will keep them busy, fit and having fun.

Your Guide to the GAA on TV this Weekend

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With a busy weekend of sport ahead, we’ve got you covered with this guide for all the GAA on TV this weekend.

We love our GAA at Intersport Elverys and this guide has all the details of this weekend’s GAA fixtures that don’t feature on the box too.

GAA on TV this Weekend: Sunday, July 17 2022

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final

Kilkenny v Limerick at 3.30pm on Sky Sports Arena & RTÉ Sport

gaa on tv this weekend

 

 

 

gaa on tv this weekend

Essential Post Run Stretches | with Irish Sprint Hurdler Sarah Quinn

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Getting your post run stretches done correctly is every bit as important as your pre-run stretches.

Unfortunately it is so often overlooked which can have negative long-term impacts.

That’s why we’ve enlisted the expertise of our brand ambassador and Irish International Sprint Hurdler, Sarah Quinn, to share some tips on your post run stretches.

Sarah, a member of the Irish 4x200m Relay team who took silver in the World Championships in 2022, talks us through a simple routine anyone can do and also why post run stretches are important.

So if you’re an elite level runner our just starting out, this routine can work for you.

Sound good?

Before you hear from Sarah, you might like our Guide to the Correct Recovery after a long run here.

Check out the full video below.

post run stretches

The Benefits of Post Run Stretches

“You may notice that your body feels sore after a run, which is a sign that you need to relax and recover.

“Stretching is also an important element of your rehabilitation process. Muscles are more flexible when they are warm.

“Stretching them at this time can help them heal faster by increasing their range of motion. Stretching shortly after a run, in particular, can help prevent muscle and joint stiffness that might come after an exercise, a condition known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

“After exercise, increasing blood flow to the working muscles can help you recover faster. Blood circulation supplies nutrition to the muscles while also filtering waste materials like lactic acid.

“This can help to alleviate the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness, which include muscle stiffness, tightness, pain, and decreased muscle strength.

“As a result, the more you incorporate stretching into your post-run routine, the better your recovery will be. As a result, you’ll be less sore and more prepared for your next workout.”

Part 1: Slow Jog or Run

“Starting your post-run recovery program with a cooldown is always a good idea.

“This entails lowering the intensity of the workout for 5-10 minutes. You may go for a light jog or stroll, or do any low-intensity cardiovascular activity.

post run stretches

“The idea is to gradually lower your heart rate while your muscles remain heated. This will allow you to hold stretches for longer periods of time without having to huff and puff.

“After you’ve completed your cooldown, you can begin static stretches.

“These are isometric holds (a type of static stretch) that stretch the muscles that have been working hard the entire time you’ve been running.”

Post Run Stretches 1: Standing Quad Stretch

“Your quads, located at the front of your thighs, are powerful muscles that work hard when you’re running, so making sure they are loose and stretched is key.

“Here’s what to do.”

post run stretches

  1. Stand tall (don’t slouch), lift the foot of your cramping leg behind you, and grab it with your hand on the opposite side.
  2. Gently pull your heel toward your buttocks until you feel a stretch in your quad.
  3. Keep your other leg straight and your knees as near as possible together.
  4. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds before releasing it. Release and do it again. Change legs and repeat the steps on the opposite leg.

Post Run Stretches 2: Calf Stretch

“Your calf muscles also work hard, particularly when the ground is hard or bumpy.

“Having well stretched and loose calves will go a long way in preventing shin splints too!”

post run stretches

  1. Start by facing a flight of steps or an exercise step.
  2. Align your foot such that the ball of your foot and toes are on the step’s edge. For further support, you can grab a railing or a wall.
  3. Lower one foot’s heel toward the ground while bending the opposing leg’s knee. 4.  You should feel a strain in the calf of your leg when you lower your heel.
  4. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.

Post Run Stretches 3: Seated Twist

“I love this deep stretch because it is a great way to target your glutes, hips and back.

“Your glutes are generally where all your power comes from and if left neglected can cause other issues and tightness in other body parts.

“While having loose hips and lower back are absolutely key to running pain free.”

post run stretches

  1. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you on the ground.
  2. Lift and cross your right leg over your left leg, which should remain straight.
  3. Bring your right leg to your chest and twist your body to glance over your right shoulder with your trunk.
  4. Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds.
  5. Switch legs and repeat the process.

Post Run Stretches 4: Half Kneeling Lunge

“Your hip flexors are responsible for the heavy lifting of your legs as you run and it’s very common amongst runners of all abilities to have tight hips.

“Tight hips and groin muscles can also be common with jobs that require hours of sitting down at a time, be it a desk or a car.

“Make sure to follow these steps.”

  1. Take a step forward into a lunge position.
  2. Keep your upper torso erect and your toes pointed forward. Rear behind you, your back leg should be straight.
  3. Extend your hips forward with your hands until you feel a stretch from the front of your hip to the top of your thigh (of your back leg).
  4. Hold for 30-60 seconds before switching sides.

Post Run Stretches 5: Banded Hamstring

“Runners frequently complain about the dreaded tight hamstrings.

“This can occur as a result of improper running form. If you overstretch your hamstrings by taking too long strides, you could end up with tight hamstrings.

“ Here’s what you should do.“

  1. Get a resistance band or towel or something similar and lie flat on your back.
  2. Loop it around the leg you will stretch and lift it toward the ceiling
  3. Flex your foot toward you and pull back on the band to increase the stretch
  4. Also, you can lift the top half of your leg up and down in a controlled motion
  5. Repeat on the other leg

Post Run Stretches 6: Lying Down Pelvic Twist

“A tight lower back can be the cause of so many problems for runners.

“With the different variations in the ground, it can be fairly taxing on your lower back, so a few easy stretches go a long way.

“Like this one.”

  1. Lie flat on your back with your knees and hips bent at a 90 degree angle, arms out to the side
  2. slowly lower your legs to the floor
  3. Use your hand to pull your knees down further and hold into the stretch
  4. Repeat on either side

Conclusion

“I hope you enjoyed this routine and that it will help you getting a proper, quick and easy-to-do cool down in after your run.

“Don’t be scared to let us know how you got on with it or if you’d like me to cover any more topics.

“Check out Elverys Running category here or below to see some great products to help you enjoy that run.”

post run stretches

Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Soccer School 2022

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The Football Association of Ireland today launched the 26th edition of the hugely popular FAI Summer Soccer Schools in partnership with our title sponsor, the leading Irish sports retailer INTERSPORT Elverys.

Republic of Ireland players Rianna Jarrett and Chiedozie Ogbene were on hand at Abbotstown for the launch of this year’s edition with programmes across the country open for sign-ups now.
The INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools cater for boys and girls aged 6 to 14 in a fun and inclusive environment, with training provided by FAI accredited and Garda vetted coaches.
Last year’s programme saw huge success with 31,806 participants take part across 383 camps last year as the programme goes from strength to strength.
Commenting on becoming INTERSPORT Elverys’ new brand ambassador, Ireland men’s team star Chiedozie Ogbene said: “I’m fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones able to play professionally and represent Ireland. It’s a dream come true. I’d like to think that I can hopefully inspire other young people to keep sport in their lives as they grow up. I’m excited to work with INTERSPORT Elverys, who play an important role in promoting sport and active lifestyles. I’ll be working with them throughout the year to convey the benefits of sport, as well as having access to the latest products to support me – both on and off the pitch.”
Ireland Women’s team striker Rianna Jarrett said: “I’m delighted to be able to continue to support the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools this year and it’s brilliant to see the excitement around the return this year. The programme is hugely successful, gets children involved in football but crucially, creates a fun, active environment for young girls and boys to enjoy their football.”
Speaking at the launch, Anne-Marie Hanly, Senior Marketing Manager for INTERSPORT Elverys said:  “We are delighted to support the FAI on this very important initiative again this Summer and are very excited to work with Rianna again and now Chiedozie to promote the Summer Soccer Schools. We believe both are great role models for football and inspire children to make time for sport in their daily lives.  This sponsorship further emphasises that INTERSPORT Elverys are at the heart of sport and sport is at the heart of every community.”

 

Welcoming the launch, Grassroots Director Ger McDermott said: “The INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Schools programme is a fantastic programme which sees incredible participation up and down the country, getting young boys and girls active and involved in our game. We’ve seen so many success stories which have originated from this fantastic programme and it is brilliant to see the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools return once again this summer. I’d like to thank our partners INTERSPORT Elverys for their ongoing support as we launch our 26th edition.”

Bookings for the 2022 programme are now live. For more information on the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools, please visit www.summersoccerschools.ie and www.elverys.ie.

 

Get ready for Summer camps this year in-store or online at Intersport Elverys HERE.

 

Best Trail Runs in Ireland 2024

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Trail running has exploded in popularity recently and we’re lucky to have some of the best trail runs in the world here in Ireland.

What’s even better is that Ireland boasts the best trail runs for every level of runner.

There’s thousands of kilometres of beautiful trails just waiting to be explored and scenery is unbeatable in some.

But we’re going to make your life a bit easier and pick our favourite and best trail runs from the likes of Dublin, Galway, Cork, Mayo and more.

Before you dive right in, our blog on Getting Started in Trail Running is a must-read for newbies.

Or, if you want to check out some gear, you can read our Top Trail Runners Review here.

Trail Runs in Ireland: Dublin

Howth Peninsula Trail

Distance: 6-12k

Total Ascent: 239m

The beautiful little fishing village in North Dublin needs little introduction and is a really popular tourist area.

Accessible at the end of the North DART line (commuters train), the Harbour is always buzzing with activity and has the most stunning views on the East coast.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the running trails just outside the village are amazing.

trail runs ireland

Known as ‘The Bog of Frogs’, the trail is just under 12km and takes in the Irish Sea Coastline, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.

The full-length trail is quite long and would not suit beginners, but it also offers shorter routes of 6, 7 and 8k to cater for runners of all abilities.

Plus, you can go for a cool-down dip in the sea afterwards!

Trail Runs in Ireland: Wicklow

Glendalough Spink Trail – White Route

Distance: 9.5k

Total Ascent: 456m

In terms of options, it doesn’t get better than the Trails of Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains.

In total there are nine marked trails to run or walk, varying from short and quick trails that take 30 minutes to more mountainous options that could take up to four hours.

trail runs ireland

We’ve picked the White Route as one that suits all levels and can be considered moderately difficult.

Coming in at 9.5k in distance, the trail starts in the National Park Information Office and the trails are signposted as you go.

The scenery you will take in is nothing short of breath-taking.

Trail Runs in Ireland: Mayo

Murrisk and Croagh Patrick

Distance: 7.5

Elevation Gain: 749m

The most difficult of the trails in this guide, the Murrisk to Croagh Patrick trail run is not for the faint hearted.

Beginning in the car park at the foot of Ireland’s Holiest Mountain, this up-and-back route is over 7km in length and will take people anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours.

trail runs ireland

The terrain is rugged and steep so appropriate footwear is required, and it’s not unfamiliar to experience the four seasons while ascending too so dress appropriately.

Home to the world-famous Sea2Summit race, trail runners can enjoy one of the most breath taking views in the country when at the summit and looking out across Clew Bay.

It is worth the challenge of getting there and some newly installed steps around ‘The Cone’ make the ascent and descent a bit easier.

Trail Runs in Ireland: Galway

Diamond Hill Circular, Connemara

Distance: 7.6k

Elevation Gain: 400m

Connemara National Park is a trail runner’s paradise and the Diamond Hill Loop is a heavenly experience.

Located near Letterfrack in Galway, this is a moderately challenging route and will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

Suitable for most fitness levels, however there are so bits of the route that boasts challenging and steep terrain.

trail runs ireland

Be aware, on a busy day the route can be packed with people as well as insects – bring your insect repellent.

Runners will experience some beautiful scenes across the National Park as well as the vibrant wildlife that run free across the hills.

Again, the right clothing and trail running shoes are needed as the weather can change very, very fast on the West Coast!

Trail Runs in Ireland: Kerry

Torc Waterfall Loop, Killarney National Park

Distance: 9.3k

Elevation Gain: 406m

This loop trail running located near the picturesque village of Killarney is a beautiful moderately challenging route.

Starting at Muckross House, trail runners will have to navigate around 1km of steps so you need to be reasonably fit as you ascend the Torc Mountain.

On the last couple of km on the route, you will come across the amazing Torc Waterfall as well as views of Killarney town and the lakes.

Proper trail running shoes with good grip is essential here, especially for the steps, but there is no gain without some pain and when you get to the top that will all be worthwhile.

Conclusion

There are some of our favourite and best trail runs in Ireland.

Now all that is left to do for you is to get out there and embrace the countryside and trails of Ireland.

Make sure to let us know your favourite trails and what you think of ours.

Check out our Trail Running range below.

trail runs ireland