Getting Started with American Football in Europe — Essential Gear Checklist

Your First Season Starts Here

American football is growing fast across Europe. From the GFL in Germany to Superserien in Sweden, leagues are expanding, new teams are forming, and more players are stepping onto the field every year. If you're one of them, the first question is always the same: what gear do I actually need?

This checklist covers every piece of equipment you'll need for your first season, what's worth spending more on, and where to find it without the hassle of importing from the US.

The Must-Have Gear

These are the essentials. You can't play a contact game without them, and most leagues require all of these to be present at every practice and game.

Helmet — The most important purchase you'll make. Read our helmet buyer's guide for detailed advice on picking the right one. Budget around €250 to €500 depending on the model. The Riddell SpeedFlex and Schutt F7 are the most popular choices for new players.

Shoulder Pads — Your second biggest purchase. Shoulder pads vary by position. Linemen need heavier, more protective pads. Skill position players (receivers, running backs, defensive backs) want lighter pads that allow more range of motion. Expect to spend €100 to €300. Brands like Schutt and Xenith are solid starting options.

Cleats — Football-specific cleats make a huge difference compared to playing in soccer boots or running shoes. The stud pattern is designed for the lateral movements and explosive starts that football demands. Check our cleats guide to find the right type for your position. Budget €80 to €200.

Mouthguard — Required in virtually every European league. A boil-and-bite mouthguard from a sports brand costs €10 to €30 and provides basic coverage. If you want a better fit and more comfort, custom-molded options are available but cost more.

Girdle or Padded Pants — Football pants with built-in padding for your hips, thighs, and tailbone. The Reyrr Girdle is a popular choice among European players because it integrates all the padding you need without extra inserts. Budget €40 to €80.

Highly Recommended Extras

You can technically play without these, but most experienced players consider them essential:

Gloves — Receiver gloves give you significantly better grip in all weather conditions. Even linemen benefit from padded lineman gloves. The Reyrr ZERO gloves are designed for European players and offer excellent grip at a competitive price. Budget €30 to €60.

Visor — Attaches to your facemask and protects your eyes from sun, rain, and fingers. The Reyrr VIZU line comes in clear, smoke, and mirrored options. Not all leagues allow tinted visors, so check your league rules first. Budget €30 to €50.

Backplate — Attaches to your shoulder pads and protects your lower back and spine. Especially useful for running backs and receivers who take hits from behind. Budget €30 to €60.

Arm Sleeves — Compression arm sleeves reduce turf burns and protect against UV on sunny practice days. The Reyrr Compression Arm Sleeves are a fan favorite. Budget €15 to €25.

Nice to Have

These are items that improve your experience but aren't strictly necessary for day one:

Game Towel — Keeps your hands dry and your gloves tacky. Tuck it into your waistband on game day. The Reyrr Gameday Towel is built for this.

Wristcoach — A wristband with a clear pocket for your play card. Essential for quarterbacks, useful for anyone learning a new playbook.

Equipment Bag — Football gear is bulky. A dedicated equipment bag with ventilation keeps everything in one place and prevents your car from smelling like a locker room.

Where to Buy Football Gear in Europe

This used to be the hardest part. Five years ago, European players had limited options: order from the US and deal with weeks of shipping, customs fees, and complicated returns, or buy from the handful of local shops with limited stock.

That's changed. At Reyrr, we stock everything on this list in our European warehouse. You get the same brands and models used in the NFL and NCAA, with EU shipping speeds, no customs surprises, and customer support from people who actually play the sport.

Whether you're joining an established team in Germany, starting with a new club in Scandinavia, or picking up the sport anywhere in Europe, you can gear up without the import headaches.

Quick Budget Guide

Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a complete first setup:

Entry level (covers the basics): €500 to €700. Helmet, shoulder pads, cleats, mouthguard, and a girdle.

Mid range (the sweet spot): €700 to €1,000. Add gloves, a visor, and arm sleeves to the basics. This is where most players land.

Premium setup: €1,000 to €1,500. Top-tier helmet, position-specific shoulder pads, premium cleats, and all the accessories. You're fully loaded for multiple seasons.

Ready to Get Started?

Browse the full Reyrr catalog here and reach out if you need help putting together your setup. We help new players every week and we're happy to recommend exactly what you need based on your position, budget, and league.