The Complete Field Hockey Goalie Guide Equipment, Checklists & Game Day Essentials
Everything New Goalkeepers Need (Explained by a Goalie Mom)
I can still remember the day both of my daughters decided they wanted to become field hockey goalies.
It happened on the same day.
They were playing Parks & Recreation field hockey on different fields, and each team had a donated set of goalie equipment that kids could try during the game. They were just 8 and 10 years old, but by the end of that day, they had both made up their minds.
They wanted to be goalies.
As a mom, I remember feeling three emotions all at once:
Overwhelmed. Proud. Broke.
Not long after, we signed them both up for the UMass Youth Field Hockey program. Unlike Parks & Recreation, goalie equipment wasn't provided.
That meant we didn't need to buy two complete sets of goalie gear...
I created this guide to help other goalie families navigate the same journey with a little more confidence and a little less stress.
Field Hockey Goalie Equipment Checklist
A complete field hockey goalie kit includes specialized protection for the head, upper body, hands, legs, and feet, along with a goalie stick and a large equipment bag.
☐ Helmet
Protects the head and face from high-speed shots. A properly fitted helmet is the single most important piece of goalie equipment.
☐ Throat Protector
Attaches to the helmet and helps protect the throat and neck.
☐ Chest Protector
Protects the chest, ribs, shoulders, and upper body by absorbing impact from the ball.
☐ Elbow Guards
Protect the elbows while allowing goalkeepers to move freely.
☐ Left Hand Protector (Blocker)
A larger blocker designed to safely deflect shots away from the goal.
☐ Right Hand Protector
Protects the stick hand while maintaining grip and stick control.
☐ Pelvic Protector
Provides essential protection for one of the body's most vulnerable areas.
☐ Goalie Pants
Padded pants that protect the hips, thighs, and upper legs.
☐ Leg Guards
Protect the knees, shins, and lower legs while helping block shots.
☐ Kickers
Foam foot protectors worn over turf shoes that allow goalkeepers to kick and clear the ball.
☐ Goalie Stick
Designed specifically for goalkeepers with a unique shape that improves blocking and clearing.
☐ Goalie Bag
A large equipment bag designed to carry an entire set of bulky goalie gear.
Additional Equipment Every Goalie Needs
Required for Every Game
☐ Mouthguard
☐ Water Bottle
☐ Team jersey
☐ Turf shoes or cleats (depending on the playing surface)
☐ Socks
Helpful Extras
☐ Compression shorts or leggings
☐ Moisture-wicking base layer
☐ Extra moisture-wicking socks
☐ Kicker repair supplies (such as grip tape or even duct tape)
Tournament Bag Essentials
These aren't required to play—but you'll be glad you packed them.
Hydration & Nutrition
☐ Water bottle
☐ Snacks
Comfort
☐ Towel
☐ Extra shirt
☐ Extra socks
☐ Blanket
☐ Folding chair
Weather
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Bug spray
☐ Rain gear
☐ Plastic bag for wet equipment
Just in Case
☐ Hair ties
☐ Athletic tape
☐ Small first aid kit
☐ Portable phone charger
☐ AirPods or headphones
My Favorite Goalie Mom Organization Tip
One of the best things I've ever done is put bags inside the goalie bag.
Instead of tossing everything into one giant compartment, I organize smaller items into separate mesh zipper bags. It keeps everything easy to find, makes packing much faster, and prevents those frantic "Where did I put that?" moments before warm-ups.
I love the inexpensive mesh zipper pouches from Amazon because you can see exactly what's inside without opening every bag.
Here's how I organize ours:
☐ First Aid Bag
Bandages, blister pads, athletic tape, pain reliever, and other first-aid essentials.
☐ Hair Bag
Hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, brush, and extra clips.
☐ Tech Bag
Portable charger, charging cables, Airpods, and power bank.
☐ Personal Care Bag
Sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissues, and any personal items.
☐ Kicker Repair Bag
Grip tape, athletic tape, scissors. and any supplied you use for quick equipment repairs.
It might sound simple, but staying organized has made tournament weekends so much less stressful for our family. A goalie bag can turn into a black hole.
Our Family's Favorite Goalie Bag
You don't need the most expensive goalie bag to have a great experience.
After using several different bags over the years, our family continues to recommend the OBO Travel Field Hockey Goalkeeper Bag because it offers an excellent balance of durability, storage, and value.
Why We Like It
✓ Lightweight
✓ Comfortable backpack straps
✓ Adjustable chest strap
✓ Large storage capacity without feeling oversized
✓ Heavy-duty zippers
✓ Reinforced bottom
✓ Durable construction
✓ Pull handles for lifting into the car
✓ Multiple storage pockets
✓ Easily fits a complete goalie kit
At 18 × 18 × 39 inches, it's roomy enough to carry a full set of goalkeeper equipment while still being manageable to carry as a backpack.
Water Bottles We Like
Not all water bottles work well for field hockey goalkeepers.
Because goalkeepers often keep their helmet on during practices, warm-ups, and quick water breaks, bottles with a long straw or high-flow spout are much easier to drink from through the face cage.
Look for:
✓ Long straw or flexible spout
✓ Easy one-handed use
✓ Large capacity (24–40 oz)
✓ Insulated design to keep water cold
✓ Good options
From what I’ve seen around field hockey and other helmeted sports:
Owala FreeSip – Popular, but some goalkeepers find the opening a little awkward through a cage.
CamelBak Eddy+ – Excellent because of the long straw and bite valve.
Under Armour Playmaker Jug – Very common on sports sidelines, large capacity, easy to use.
Gatorade Gx or traditional Gatorade squeeze bottle – The squeeze design works well if the goalie doesn’t want to remove the helmet.
Polar Bottle Sport – Another squeeze bottle that’s easy to drink from quickly.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Goalie equipment is one of the biggest investments in field hockey, and buying everything at once can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are several ways to save money without sacrificing safety.
Buy Your Helmet New (If Possible)
A properly fitting helmet protects your child's head. If your budget allows, this is one piece of equipment I recommend buying new.
Buy Used When It Makes Sense
Leg guards, kickers, chest protectors, goalie pants, and goalie sticks are often available in excellent condition through:
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Facebook Marketplace
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Local goalie families
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Play It Again Sports
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SidelineSwap
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Field hockey Facebook groups
Ask Your Club or High School Coach
Many programs have loaner equipment or know families whose children have recently outgrown their gear.
Consider Beginner Packages
Starter packages—such as OBO's Yahoo beginner equipment package—can often be more affordable than purchasing every piece individually.
Support From a Goalie Mom
If you’re just beginning your goalkeeper journey, you’re not alone. Explore more Field Notes for equipment guides, tournament tips, organization ideas, and real experiences from a fellow goalie mom who’s been exactly where you are.
Final Thoughts
Buying field hockey goalie equipment can feel overwhelming at first.
I know—I've been there.
Before long, you stop seeing helmets, kickers, leg guards, and sticks.
You start seeing confidence.
You start seeing courage.
You start seeing resilience.
Every great goalie starts somewhere.
If you’re looking for apparel created specifically for field hockey goalkeepers, explore the Minted Field Hockey Goalie Collection. Every design is inspired by the athletes who stand between the posts and the families who proudly support them.
→ Shop the Minted Field Hockey Goalie Collection
If this guide helps even one new goalie family feel a little less overwhelmed and not alone, then it has done exactly what it was meant to do.