Internally Peer Reviewed Matthew, a first grader, joined a soccer league this spring. Even first-graders can kick hard enough to bruise tender shins and ankles, so his parents bought a pair of shin guards, a mouth guard, and other protective gear for Matthew. It's important for boys and girls to wear protective equipment, including mouth guards to protect their teeth.
Bruises occur from direct kicks to the shin, and can largely be prevented by wearing shin guards.
Shin guards with hard plastic stays or ribs are the most protective type, he says. Foam guards are not as protective as the hard plastic guards. The guards should be worn over one pair of socks and under another pair. The ankle is another region that needs protection. These are best for protecting the ankles because they provide good protection and still allow mobility.