Winter football in the UK means dark evenings, wet pitches and temperatures that can drop fast once the sun goes down. What you wear won't make you a better player, but it will decide whether you spend the session focused or just trying to stay warm. Here's a simple way to dress for cold-weather training.
Think in layers
Layering lets you adjust as you warm up and cool down. For most training sessions, three layers are enough.
1. Base layer
A close-fitting long sleeve base layer sits against your skin, moves sweat away and adds warmth without bulk. Thumb loops help keep the sleeves in place under a training top. If you wear one under a match shirt, check your league's kit rules, as some competitions have requirements for undershirt colours.
2. Training top
A quarter-zip drill top such as the Nike Academy 25 1/4 Zip Drill Top works well over a base layer. You can zip it up during warm-ups and open it once you're working hard. Browse more in Clothing.
3. Accessories
Your hands, neck and head lose comfort first when it's cold. Gloves with touchscreen fingertips and grip, like the Nike Knit Grip Gloves, are practical for training. A snood or Therma-FIT hood keeps your neck covered during warm-ups and on the sideline. Many leagues don't allow snoods in matches, so treat them as training and warm-up kit unless your league says otherwise.
Don't forget your feet
Wet, cold feet ruin a session. Good football socks with Dri-FIT fabric help manage moisture, and a fresh pair after training makes a difference on the way home. Pack a spare pair from our football socks range, or pick up a multi-pack so you always have one ready.
A quick winter training checklist
- Long sleeve base layer
- Training top or quarter-zip
- Gloves (touchscreen-friendly if you use your phone)
- Snood or hood for warm-ups and the sideline
- Football socks, plus a spare pair
- Something warm to put on straight after the session
Warm up properly
Cold muscles feel stiff, so give yourself a thorough warm-up before intense drills. Keep your outer layers on until you're properly warm, then remove them before you start sweating heavily.
Everything above is in one place in our Winter range.