Holbeach United CSA announced immediate ban on mini shin pads

A football club has announced an immediate ban on the use of mini shin pads.

Holbeach United’s Community Sports Academy has shown the red card to the controversial piece of kit, arguing they ‘do not provide adequate protection’ to youngsters.

Chairman Rob Bell said the Tigers’ decision to introduce a ‘mandatory’ ban came after a visiting player suffered a serious injury while wearing mini shin pads this week.

“Above all, we believe it’s for the safety of all the children involved,” he said.

“The size of some of these micro shin pads are absolutely ridiculous.

“I’ve heard positive feedback from all our coaches who are glad to see it being done.”

The smallest sized regular shin pads for juniors are generally around 15cm in length and 10cm in width while mini pads - which have been popularised by professional footballers, including Manchester City and England ace Jack Grealish - can be almost half that at 8cmx5cm.

While football rules state all players must wear shin guards, there is no legislation about what size they must be.

However, the Football Association has advised that ‘safety is prioritised by ensuring a good proportion of the shin area is covered’, information the Lincolnshire FA has passed on to its member clubs.

A Tigers club statement issued to parents and players explained: “After careful consideration with our senior committee, the club has decided to implement a new rule banning the use of mini shin pads during training and matches, effective immediately.

“We understand that these types of shin pads are popular due to design and being lightweight, yet we have seen that they do not provide adequate protection to our young players.”

United are the latest club to follow a growing trend across grassroots teams in banning the smaller sized pad, also known as micro shin pads, amongst fears they fail to prevent a number of injuries.

“The safety and well being of our players is of the upmost importance and our top priority,” the statement continued.

“We believe that banning the use of such shin pads will help reduce the risk of serious injuries.

“We ask all players and parents to ensure compliance in wearing properly fitted standard sized shin pads in both training and matches.

“This is not an option this is mandatory.”

The Tigers added that coaching staff will be conducting checks to ensure the rule is being followed.