Gaelic Football Gear Guide: Boots, Balls, Gum Shields and Club Kit

The right Gaelic football gear doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. In this Gaelic football gear guide, we walk through everything a new player in Southern California actually needs, from the ball and the right boots for hard summer ground to the mandatory gum shield, training wear and how to order our O'Neills club kit.

The Ball: Why a Size 5 O'Neills Is the Standard

The Gaelic football looks a bit like a soccer ball at first glance, but pick one up and you'll notice the difference. It's a round leather ball made from 18 stitched panels, and the official specifications call for a weight of roughly 480 to 500 grams (about 1.05 to 1.1 pounds) and a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters. That extra weight gives it a heavier, more solid feel off the boot and in the hands than most soccer balls.

In men's adult football, the standard is the size 5 ball. Ladies' Gaelic football uses a slightly smaller size 4 ball in all grades from under-12 upward, and smaller balls are also used for younger children. If you're buying a ball for practice, check which game you'll mainly be playing before you order.

The name you'll see most often is O'Neills. The O'Neills football was the first officially licensed Gaelic ball and has been widely used since the 1960s, so most Gaelic footballers have kicked one at some point. O'Neills also makes our club kit, which we'll come to later.

Should you buy your own ball?

You don't need your own ball to come to your first session. But once you've been to a few sessions, having one at home is the single best investment you can make in your skills. Fifteen minutes of solo runs, kicking against a wall or practicing your hand pass in the park will do more for your game than any piece of fancy gear. If you're new to the skills themselves, our guide to Gaelic football rules explains how the solo and hand pass work.

Boots: Moulded vs Studs for SoCal's Hard Ground

Gaelic football is played in cleats (or "boots," as Irish players call them), and there's no special Gaelic boot you have to buy. Most players wear soccer or rugby boots. The important decision is what's on the bottom.

Moulded (firm-ground) boots

Moulded boots have many short, fixed rubber or plastic studs spread across the sole. Because the pressure is spread over more points, they grip well on firm ground without digging in too deeply. These are usually labeled "FG" (firm ground) in soccer stores.

Screw-in studs (soft-ground) boots

Soft-ground boots, often labeled "SG," have fewer, longer studs, frequently with screw-in metal or alloy tips. They're designed to bite into soft, wet, muddy pitches, which is why you'll see them a lot in Ireland during the winter.

What works in Southern California

For most of the year, Southern California fields are firm, and in the summer they can be rock hard. On that kind of ground, long screw-in studs don't penetrate properly. That can leave you less stable and puts more pressure on your feet, ankles and knees. For that reason, we generally recommend moulded or firm-ground boots for SoCal. If you also play on artificial turf, look for "AG" (artificial grass) boots or turf shoes, which are built for synthetic surfaces.

Protective Gear: Gum Shields and Shin Guards

Gum shields (mouthguards) are mandatory

If there's one piece of protective gear you can't skip, it's the gum shield. The GAA introduced mandatory mouthguards in Gaelic football in stages: from January 1, 2013, for all age grades up to and including minor, and from January 1, 2014, at under-21 and adult level. You can read the GAA's announcement on gaa.ie. The Ladies' Gaelic Football Association introduced its own mouthguard rule too, beginning with underage grades from January 1, 2014. At our club, we expect every player to wear one at training and in matches.

There are two main options:

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Inexpensive and widely available at sporting goods stores. You soften them in hot water and bite down to mold them to your teeth. They're a perfectly good place to start.
• Custom-fitted mouthguards: Made by a dentist from an impression of your teeth. They cost more but are usually more comfortable, stay in place better and make it easier to breathe and talk.

Whichever you choose, rinse it after every use, keep it in a ventilated case and replace it when it gets worn or no longer fits snugly.

Shin guards (optional)

Shin guards aren't required in Gaelic football, but many players wear them, especially defenders and anyone coming from soccer who feels more comfortable with them. Lightweight slip-in guards that sit under your socks are the most popular choice. If you're unsure, try a few sessions with and without and see what you prefer.

Other protection

Some players also use ankle supports or tape, particularly if they have a history of sprains. And in Southern California, don't forget the less obvious protection: sunscreen, a hat for the sideline and plenty of water. Saturday morning sessions can get warm quickly. Our pre-season training plan includes more advice on preparing your body for the season.

"Tús maith leath na hoibre." (A good start is half the work.)

Traditional Irish proverb

Training Wear and Goalkeeper Jerseys

What to wear to training

For training, comfort and practicality matter more than looks. We have traditionally trained on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm and Saturday mornings at 9:00 am, so you'll want gear that works for both a cool evening and a warm morning. Check our training page for the current times and location.

• Moisture-wicking shirt: Any athletic t-shirt or training top works. Bring a spare in summer.
• Shorts: Athletic shorts are fine; many players train in their club shorts.
• Long socks: Useful if you wear shin guards, and they help protect your legs on dry, scratchy grass.
• A warm layer: A light jacket or hoodie for evening sessions and for the sideline.
• Water bottle: Always. Hydration matters a lot in SoCal heat.

Goalkeeper jerseys

In Gaelic football, the goalkeeper wears the number 1 and must wear a jersey of a different color from the rest of the team, so referees can easily identify them. If you end up playing in goal, you'll need a goalkeeper jersey that contrasts with our outfield kit. Talk to us before buying so you get a color that works with the club's kit. Many keepers also wear goalkeeper gloves for better grip on the ball, which is allowed and common, although it isn't required.

Club Kit: Ordering Wild Geese Gear

There's nothing quite like pulling on your club colors for the first time. Our club kit is made by O'Neills, the same company behind the famous footballs and many county and club jerseys in Ireland.

Here's what we offer, based on our club price list:

• Tops: $50
• Shorts: $25
• Socks: $12
• Socks + shorts combo: $30
• Bags: $25

Membership is separate: Player Membership is $100 and Social Membership is $40. Player membership is for those who train and play, while social membership is a great option for supporters, family members and former players who want to stay involved.

To order kit or sign up for membership, head to our memberships, kit and services page. If you have questions about sizing or availability, just get in touch and we'll help. Prices can change from season to season, so the membership page is always the best place to check current details.

Kit Care: Making Your Gear Last

A little care goes a long way, especially with boots and jerseys that see a lot of sun, sweat and dust.

Jerseys, shorts and socks

• Wash in cold water, inside out, to protect printed crests and numbers.
• Skip the fabric softener, which can clog technical fabrics and reduce their ability to wick sweat.
• Air dry rather than tumble dry, and avoid leaving kit in strong direct sun for long periods, which can fade colors.
• Don't leave sweaty kit sitting in your bag overnight; it's the quickest way to ruin it (and your bag).

Boots

• Knock off dirt and grass after every session, and wipe the uppers with a damp cloth.
• Let boots dry naturally at room temperature. Stuffing them with newspaper helps them keep their shape. Never put them on a heater or leave them in a hot car.
• Check moulded studs for wear, and if you use screw-in studs, check they're tight before every game.

The ball

Keep your ball inflated to the pressure printed near the valve, wipe it clean after use and store it out of direct sunlight. A well-cared-for leather ball will last much longer.

Your First-Season Checklist and Budget

Here's everything a new player needs, with our club prices where they apply. Items marked "varies" are things you'll buy yourself, and the cost depends on brand and where you shop.

First-season checklist

1. Player Membership
2. Gum shield (mandatory)
3. Moulded or firm-ground boots
4. Club top, shorts and socks
5. Training clothes and a warm layer
6. Water bottle and sunscreen
7. Shin guards (optional)
8. Club bag (optional but handy)
9. Your own size 5 ball for practice (optional)

Budget table

Item	Required?	Where to get it	Cost
Player Membership	Yes (players)	Club	$100
Social Membership	For supporters	Club	$40
Club top (O'Neills)	For matches	Club	$50
Socks + shorts combo (O'Neills)	For matches	Club	$30
Shorts only	Alternative to combo	Club	$25
Socks only	Alternative to combo	Club	$12
Club bag	Optional	Club	$25
Gum shield	Yes (mandatory)	Sporting goods store or dentist	Varies
Moulded / firm-ground boots	Yes	Sporting goods store	Varies
Shin guards	Optional	Sporting goods store	Varies
Size 5 Gaelic football	Optional	Specialist retailer	Varies
Club essentials total (membership + top + socks/shorts combo)		Club	$180
With club bag		Club	$205

In other words, $180 at our club prices covers your player membership and a full matchday kit, using the socks and shorts combo to save a few dollars. Add the bag and it's $205. Beyond that, the only must-have purchases are boots and a gum shield, both of which you may already own if you've played other sports.

Don't let gear hold you back from coming to your first session, either. For a first training, all you really need is athletic clothes, boots or sneakers, a mouthguard and water. You can sort out the club kit once you've decided Gaelic football is for you, and we're confident you will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size ball is used in Gaelic football?

Adult men's Gaelic football uses a size 5 ball weighing roughly 480 to 500 grams. Ladies' Gaelic football uses a size 4 ball from under-12 level upward, and smaller balls are used for younger children.

Are mouthguards mandatory in Gaelic football?

Yes. The GAA made mouthguards mandatory for all age grades up to and including minor from January 1, 2013, and at under-21 and adult level from January 1, 2014. Our club expects every player to wear one at training and in matches.

Should I wear moulded boots or studs in Southern California?

For most of the year, moulded or firm-ground boots are the better choice in Southern California because the fields are usually firm and can be very hard in summer. Longer screw-in studs are designed for soft, wet ground. For artificial turf, choose artificial-grass boots or turf shoes.

Do I need shin guards for Gaelic football?

No, shin guards are optional in Gaelic football. Many players still wear lightweight slip-in guards for extra protection, especially defenders and players coming from soccer.

How do I order Wild Geese club kit?

Our O'Neills club kit, including tops, shorts, socks and bags, can be ordered through our memberships, kit and services page. If you have questions about sizes or availability, contact the club and we'll help.

How much does it cost to start playing with the Wild Geese?

At our club prices, a player membership ($100) plus a club top ($50) and the socks and shorts combo ($30) comes to $180. Add a club bag for $25. You'll also need your own boots and a mouthguard.