Quick win checklist (do these first)

• Wear the right gloves: thermal + water-resistant, snug cuff, good grip.
• Keep hands dry: pack a spare pair of gloves and a small towel.
• Warm the body, not just the hands: base layer + warm mid-layer + big coat for breaks.
• Start warm: warm hands before leaving home, then gloves on early.
• Between drills: keep moving and avoid standing still with cold, wet gloves.

1) Choose gloves made for cold + wet pitches

Most “winter gloves” fail because they soak through. Once the fabric is wet, hands cool down fast. Look for:

• Thermal lining (warmth without bulky fingers)
• Water-resistant outer (stops gloves becoming heavy and clammy)
• Grip palms (helps throw-ins and control when the ball is slick)
• Snug cuff (reduces cold air/water getting in at the wrist)

Example: Oglove kids gloves are designed specifically for winter football with a focus on warmth, wet-weather protection and grip — ideal for cold UK training nights.

2) Keep the whole body warm (hands follow the core)

If a child’s core temperature drops, the body reduces blood flow to fingers to protect vital organs. That means even great gloves won’t fully fix it if the rest of their kit is too light.

• Base layer: moisture-wicking (avoid cotton if possible)
• Mid-layer: thermal top/hoodie for warmth
• Outer: rain jacket for wet/windy days
• Big coat: for subs/breaks (the fastest way to stop heat loss)
• Hat/neck warmer: especially on very cold, windy days

3) Keep hands dry: the spare-gloves rule

This is the simplest “secret” from experienced parents: bring a second pair of gloves. If the first pair gets soaked during warm-up or rain, swap at half-time and it feels like magic.

Pack:

• Spare gloves (kept dry in a zip bag)
• Small towel (quick wipe at breaks)
• Dry base layer top (optional, but great in heavy rain)

4) Start warm: pre-warm hands before you leave home

Warm hands before going outside — it’s easier to maintain warmth than to recover it once numb. A practical routine:

1. Warm hands indoors (brief warm water rinse or warm room), then dry thoroughly.
2. Gloves on early (don’t wait until they feel cold).
3. Keep hands out of pockets if it causes gloves to get damp from sweat.

If hands are already very cold, avoid “shock” re-warming (like blasting on a radiator) — gentle warming is better.

5) Do a proper warm-up (not just jogging)

A full-body warm-up increases circulation to fingers. Aim for 6–10 minutes:

• Light jog + skips
• Dynamic movements: arm circles, trunk twists, high knees
• Short accelerations (3–4 quick bursts)
• Ball work at game speed

Tip: kids often stand still while coaches talk — keep gloves on and hands moving (shake-outs, claps, arm swings).

6) Half-time and breaks: “big coat on, keep moving”

The biggest temperature drop happens when kids stop. At half-time:

• Put a big coat straight on (even for 5 minutes).
• Swap into dry gloves if the first pair is wet.
• Keep moving lightly (walk, gentle jog) instead of sitting on cold ground.
• If possible, a warm drink can help overall warmth (not too hot).

7) After the match: warm up gradually and change fast

• Change out of wet kit quickly (especially base layers).
• Warm hands gradually (warm room, dry clothing).
• If fingers are red/itchy later, it may be a cold reaction — keep an eye on it.

Safety: when cold hands are more than “normal”

Cold hands are common. But watch for warning signs that need attention:

• Fingers staying numb for a long time after coming indoors
• Severe pain, swelling, blistering, or colour changes (very pale/blue)
• Red, itchy, swollen patches later (can be consistent with chilblains)
• Whole-body symptoms: intense shivering, confusion, extreme tiredness

If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical advice.

Are gloves allowed in football matches?

Yes — gloves are generally permitted as long as they’re non-dangerous (no hard parts). If a ref ever questions them, it’s usually about safety, not the idea of gloves itself.