How to Choose Soccer Team Jerseys for Youth, School, and Club Teams
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Time to read 4 min
Ordering soccer team jerseys isn’t just a design decision—it’s a logistical one. And if you’re the coach, director, or equipment manager, you’re the one who gets blamed when half the kits don’t fit or show up late.
So how do you make the right call when ordering uniforms for a group of kids, teens, or adult players? What brands hold up best for youth teams? What if you need jerseys that work for both genders? And how do you avoid getting burned by poor sizing or long delivery delays?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Start With: Who You’re Buying For
Different types of teams need different types of kits. Here's how it breaks down:
Youth Recreational Teams
Priorities : Comfort, affordability, quick shipping
Best picks : Lightweight stock jerseys + basic decoration (e.g. Nike Park VII or Adidas Entrada 22)
Key tip : Go for unisex sizing and simple color schemes that don’t require endless customization.
School Teams (Middle & High School)
Priorities : School colors, team name visibility, reorderability for future seasons
Best picks : Custom-decorated jerseys from trusted brands like Nike, Adidas, or Joma
Key tip : Pick styles that will still be available next year so you can reorder for new players.
Club Teams / Competitive Leagues
Priorities : Unique look, full team identity, durability for frequent play
Best picks : Sublimated or semi-custom kits from brands like Puma, Hummel, or Joma
Key tip : Plan ahead—custom kits often take 3–4 weeks minimum to produce.
Still unsure what kind of jersey fits your team best? Check out our guide to the best custom soccer team jerseys in 2025.
Sizing Is Everything (And Most Teams Get It Wrong)
When you're ordering for a group—especially kids or co-ed teams—sizing mistakes are the most common headache.
Best Practices for Sizing:
Always ask for a size chart (not all brands use the same one)
For youth teams, ask parents for player sizes—don’t guess
If possible, order sample kits in advance so players can try them on
Choose brands with wide sizing ranges (YS–Adult XXL or bigger)
Avoid “one size fits most” thinking—it rarely ends well. A jersey that’s too tight, too long, or too stiff can kill a player’s confidence before they even touch the ball.
Gender Matters: Unisex vs Men’s vs Women’s Jerseys
Here’s where teams often cut corners—trying to fit everyone into a men’s or unisex template.
Youth teams
Unisex is often fine. Younger players tend to have similar body types, and fit issues are minimal.
High school & older
Start offering gender-specific options. Women’s soccer jerseys are cut differently to account for torso length and shoulder width.
At The Soccer Factory, we offer sizing and fit breakdowns for all the brands we carry—so you’re not left guessing.
Don’t Just Pick by Price: Look at Material & Movement
A jersey that’s too heavy or traps sweat is a non-starter for young athletes. Choose jerseys built to perform:
Look for:
Moisture-wicking polyester blends
Raglan sleeves or stretch panels for shoulder mobility
Ventilation zones in high-heat areas (back, armpits)
Tagless collars to prevent irritation
Popular choices like the Adidas Entrada 22 or Nike Tiempo Premier II hit all the right marks for youth and school teams.
Turnaround Time: Order Early, Avoid Chaos
Uniform season always sneaks up. The worst thing you can do is wait too long and get stuck paying rush fees or shipping delays.
Here’s a reliable timeline:
Stock jerseys with basic decoration : 1–2 weeks
Sublimated jerseys : 3–5 weeks depending on complexity
Peak ordering season : March–June (order early to avoid backlogs)
Plan for team photos, league registration, and your first match. Build in buffer time.
Visual Identity Still Matters—Even for Kids
You might think “they’re just 10-year-olds, they don’t care how they look.” Wrong.
Why it matters:
Matching kits build pride and unity—even at young ages
Clear numbering and team logos help refs and spectators
A sharp-looking team is a respected team, at any level
Don’t overdo it. Stick to bold, clean colors. Add your team name, numbers, and maybe one small sponsor logo if needed.
Want full creative freedom? See our custom soccer jersey builder for a real-time preview.
Bulk Ordering Tips for Schools and Clubs
Order Extras
Kids grow. Players join late. Always order 1–2 spares in each popular size.
Lock in Your Design
Stick with a style that won’t get discontinued next year.
Use One Vendor
Ordering jerseys, shorts, and socks from different suppliers = disaster. Stick with one to ensure color matching and sizing consistency.
Need help figuring out which package is right? Learn how to compare full team kits vs individual jersey orders.
What Teams Like Yours Are Actually Buying
Here’s what we’re seeing for 2025:
Youth Rec Teams
Jersey : Champro Header or Nike Park VII
Why : Affordable, fast shipping, simple design
Customization : Numbers + team name on back
School Teams
Jersey : Adidas Campeon 23, Nike Tiempo Premier II
Why : Classic designs with room for logos
Customization : Full front logo, numbers, and optional player names
Competitive Clubs
Jersey : Puma teamLIGA, Joma Supernova
Why : Bold graphics, full sublimation, pro look
Customization : Total design control, sponsor logos, player names
Wrap-Up: Simplify the Process and Get Jerseys That Actually Work
Choosing the right soccer team jerseys for youth, school, or club teams doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on the players' needs, pick the right fit, and don’t cut corners on timing or quality.
When you get it right, you’ll avoid reorder nightmares, size mismatches, and delivery delays—and your players will actually want to wear the uniform.
From blank stock kits to fully decorated sets ready for game day, we’ve got your team covered—literally.