Your first football trial can feel exciting and scary at the same time, especially as a female soccer player.

You may feel proud just to be invited.

You may also feel nervous about what to bring.

That feeling is normal.

Now, I don’t know about your side, but on this side, I have seen many talented girls show up to soccer trials unprepared. Are they careless? No. It’s only because nobody ever tells them what or how they need to pack themselves for these trials. 

Some you’ll find they pack too little. Some pack the wrong things. Others forget the small items that make a big difference.

This guide fixes that.

This article walks you through everything you should pack for your first football trial as a female player. Nothing fancy. Nothing confusing. Just real, practical help that keeps you calm, confident, and ready to play.

Why Pack Right at a Football Trial?

children exercising in a circle outdoors first football trials

A football trial is not just another training session.

It is a chance to be seen.

It is a chance to be remembered.

Coaches look at skill, yes.

But they also notice preparation.

When you pack well:

  • You feel calm
  • You focus better
  • You avoid panic
  • You play freely

When you forget things:

  • You feel stressed
  • You rush
  • You lose focus
  • You doubt yourself

Your trial bag, just like any matchday soccer bag, cannot give you talent.

But it can protect your confidence.

That is why packing for your first football trial matters more than people admit.

So, here is how to pack for your first football trial as a female soccer player.

1. Start With the Right Football Bag

Before we even talk about items, let’s talk about the bag itself.

Choose a bag that:

  • It’s easy to carry
  • Has space for wet clothes
  • Can hold shoes and water
  • It’s not too heavy

It does not need to be new.

It does not need a big brand.

It just needs to work.

A simple sports backpack or medium duffel bag is enough for your first football trial.

2. Football Boots

This should be the first thing you pack.

Bring:

  • Clean boots
  • Boots that fit well
  • Boots you have trained in before

Do not wear new boots to your first football trial.

New boots cause:

  • Blisters
  • Pain
  • Fear of moving freely

Make sure your boots match the surface:

  • Firm ground for grass
  • Turf boots for artificial fields

If you are unsure, ask before the trial day.

Your boots should feel like part of your body.

Not something you fight with.

3. Extra Pair of Boots (If You Have Them)

If you own a second pair, bring them.

Why?

  • The weather can change
  • Fields can be wet
  • One pair can break

You may never use them.

But having them gives peace of mind.

Peace of mind helps performance.

This is a small thing that helps a lot during a first football trial.

4. Football Socks (More Than One Pair)

Always pack:

  • One pair to wear
  • One extra pair

Wet socks cause:

  • Blisters
  • Discomfort
  • Distraction

Choose long socks that cover shin guards well.

Dry feet help you stay focused.

Focus matters at a trial.

5. Shin Guards (Do Not Skip This)

Never assume shin guards are optional.

Many trials:

  • Require them
  • Will not let you play without them

Bring:

  • Shin guards that fit
  • Sleeves or tape to hold them

Even if not required, wear them.

Protection shows professionalism.

Safety always comes first at your first football trial.

6. Training Kit: Simple and Clean

A brown black soccer backpack on a green grass alongside soccer kits and boots

Bring your own kit unless told otherwise.

Pack:

  • T-shirt or jersey
  • Shorts
  • Sports bra

Choose:

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Clothes you can move in
  • Clothes you have trained in

Avoid:

  • Tight outfits
  • Heavy cotton
  • Brand-new kits

Comfort helps confidence.

Confidence helps performance.

7. Extra Clothes for After the Trial

Always pack a full change of clothes.

Include:

  • Clean top
  • Shorts or trousers
  • Underwear

After the trial, you may:

  • Be tired
  • Be sweaty
  • Feel cold

Changing helps your body recover.

It also helps you leave feeling fresh and proud.

8. Sports Bra That Supports You

This is important.

Choose a sports bra that:

  • Fits well
  • Supports movement
  • Does not distract you

Do not wear a new one for the first time at a trial.

Test it in training before.

Discomfort pulls focus away from football.

Your first football trial deserves full attention.

9. Hair Essentials

Pack items to control your hair.

Bring:

  • Hair ties
  • Headband
  • Hair clips

Hair in your face:

  • Blocks vision
  • Breaks focus
  • Causes frustration

You want to think about the ball.

Not your hair.

10. Water Bottle

Never depend on others for water.

Bring your own bottle.

Hydration helps:

  • Energy
  • Focus
  • Muscle function

Sip before, during, and after.

A tired body hides talent.

11. Light Snacks for Energy

Food matters more than many players think.

Pack light snacks like:

  • Bananas
  • Energy bars
  • Nuts
  • Biscuits

Avoid heavy food before playing.

Eat small amounts if needed.

Low energy affects:

  • Speed
  • Thinking
  • Decision-making

Fuel your body properly.

12. Towel and Small Toiletries

Pack:

  • Small towel
  • Deodorant
  • Face wipes

You do not need full bathroom items.

Just enough to feel clean and human after playing.

Feeling fresh helps your mindset.

13. Personal Items for Comfort

Every player is different.

You may want to pack:

  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Inhaler (if needed)
  • Sanitary products

These are not extras.

They are essentials.

Comfort allows you to focus fully on football.

14. Any Required Documents or IDs

Some trials ask for:

  • ID
  • Registration form
  • Medical form

Pack these in a plastic folder.

Do not fold them.

Do not leave them loose.

Being organized shows maturity.

15. Notebook or Phone (Optional but Helpful)

After your first football trial, you may want to:

  • Write notes
  • Save contact details
  • Remember feedback

Bring a small notebook or phone for after the session.

Do not use it during training.

Respect the process.

What NOT to Pack

This matters too.

Do not bring:

  • Jewelry
  • Expensive items
  • Too much makeup
  • Large bags of distractions

Trials are about football.

Nothing else.

Mental Packing: Just as Important

Not everything you pack goes in a bag.

You also need to pack your mindset.

Bring:

  • Confidence
  • Patience
  • Openness to learning

Leave behind:

  • Fear
  • Comparison
  • Pressure

At your first football trial, coaches do not expect perfection.

They look for:

  • Effort
  • Attitude
  • Willingness to learn

Remember that.

The Night Before: Final Check

The night before your first football trial, lay everything out.

Check:

  • Boots
  • Socks
  • Kit
  • Water
  • Snacks

This avoids panic in the morning.

Calm mornings lead to calm performances.

How Packing Helps You Perform on Trial Day

young women playing a soccer game on a field first football trials

When your bag is ready:

  • You arrive relaxed
  • You warm up well
  • You focus on play

You do not rush.

You do not worry.

You play freely.

That freedom is what coaches notice.

Pack With Care Again After the Trial

After playing:

  • Put wet clothes in a separate section
  • Clean your boots later
  • Drink water
  • Eat something light

Respect your body.

Recovery matters too.

Final Whistle

If you have a first football trial, you earned it.

Packing right does not guarantee selection.

But it gives you the best chance to show who you are.

Talent shines when stress is low.

Confidence grows when preparation is solid.

Your bag is ready.

Your body is ready.

Your dream is valid.

Go play.

Quick Packing Checklist for Your First Football Trial

  • Football boots
  • Extra boots (if possible)
  • Football socks (2 pairs)
  • Shin guards
  • Training kit
  • Sports bra
  • Extra clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Light snacks
  • Hair ties and headband
  • Towel
  • Personal items
  • Documents

Wangeci Mbogo

Hello, Wangeci Mbogo here. I run PitchPearls, a website all about women's football. I love football and have since I was 14 years old. I play for fun but never had the chance to play professionally. I created this website to share tips, tricks, and profiles of popular female footballers from popular women's leagues around the world. People don't talk enough about women's football. PitchPearls is a place for female players, coaches, parents of girls who play, and young players who want to learn more. This space is for everyone who loves women's soccer or wants to start playing. PitchPearls helps me connect with and learn about the exciting world of women's football every day. I hope you enjoy the website. KARIBU

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