Football Camp Packing List: Everything Your Child Needs

Your child has been accepted to a Joner Football camp. Exciting times. Now comes the practical bit: what do they actually need to bring?

Whether it's a 2-day camp in the USA or a week-long experience in Australia, here's the complete packing list, plus a few things most parents forget.

The Essentials

Football boots: moulded studs for grass, indoor shoes if the camp includes indoor sessions. If in doubt, moulded studs cover most surfaces.
Shin guards: mandatory at every Joner Football camp. No shin guards, no training.
Training socks: bring at least two pairs. Preferably white, to match the Joner Football kit.
Black shorts: the standard training uniform across all Joner Football programs.
Water bottle: a big one. Camps are intensive. Staying hydrated is critical, especially in warmer climates like California and Texas.

Camp Kit

Every Joner Football camp includes a training kit, usually a Joner Football jersey. This will be provided on arrival, so you don't need to buy one beforehand. But do pack a spare plain shirt in case your child wants to change between sessions.

Weather and Sun Protection

Sunscreen (SPF 50+): apply before arrival and reapply at breaks. This is non-negotiable for outdoor camps, especially in Australia and the American south.
Cap or hat: for breaks between sessions.
Rain jacket: if the camp is outdoors. Sessions rarely get cancelled for light rain.
Warm layers: mornings can be cool. A training hoodie or base layer is useful.

Food and Snacks

Packed lunch: unless the camp provides meals (check the camp details). Keep it light and nutritious: sandwiches, fruit, energy bars.
Snacks: banana, trail mix, or muesli bars for between sessions.
Avoid: heavy meals, excessive sugar, and fizzy drinks. They'll slow your child down in the afternoon sessions.

Things Most Parents Forget

A spare pair of socks: blisters happen. Fresh socks for the afternoon session make a big difference.
A football: some camps provide balls, but having your own means your child can practise during breaks.
A positive attitude: this sounds obvious, but camps push players outside their comfort zone. Remind your child that it's okay to make mistakes. That's how they learn. The best players at camp are the ones who listen, try hard, and aren't afraid to fail.
Plasters/band-aids: small cuts and grazes are part of training. A few plasters in the bag can save a trip to the first aid station.

What NOT to Bring

Expensive jewellery or watches: these need to be removed for training anyway.
Gaming devices: breaks are short and social. Encourage your child to interact with other players.
Bad habits: camp is a reset. New environment, new coaches, new standards. Encourage your child to embrace it.

What to Expect at a Joner Football Camp

Our camps are intensive but structured. Players are grouped by age and ability, with a maximum of 6 players per coach. Sessions focus on technical development: ball mastery, first touch, passing, receiving, 1v1 situations, and more.

Every player gets individual attention. Every session is built around the Joner Football methodology: technique above everything.

Check the camps page for upcoming dates and locations. For 2026, we've got camps running in Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Sydney.

And between camps, keep the development going with the Joner Football App, with 1,500+ drills your child can do at home to stay sharp.