by Matthew Adams

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 05, 2009

Given the popularity of soccer, you should not have too much difficulty finding soccer merchandise. Ranging from club shirts, to mugs, to games, to balls or gloves, to boots, books etc When looking for a gift, then shop around.

To begin, soccer books can be good. The FIFA Centennial book provides an insightful, and well-illustrated, non-fiction account of FIFA and soccer. Alternatively, a more specific club based book might also be well received like an autobiography or biography.

Soccer DVD or video is also something worth considering. Classic games are often available. Consider some great world cup compilations, which even for neutrals can be stirring with great players and goals. Again, however, more club specific videos will likely be available esp for bigger clubs.

A good quality soccer ball might be good for a bit of an actual kick about. The best are leather, and difficult to puncture.

Club shirts, are also valuable. Every club has a strip, so certainly you can find a relevant one. International shirts, too, are also an option here. There are some classic shirts that are also available.

The full kit, shirt, shorts etc is good for actual players. Although not so useful for the armchair fan! Still, try to get the right size, or at least a size that is close. Keeper gloves are also good for that position.

Soccer has plenty of scarves. They are a tradition in the game, and aside from waving them they can actually keep you warm in the winter also. So certainly, a club or national scarf would be good.

Alternatively, how about a soccer video game? There are really two types, ones where you play the team, and ones where you play the manager. These get updated a bit, but EA have a popular line of team soccer games on various formats. Alternatively, the Championship Manager series have become the most popular of the soccer management games, providing depth of options and good match engines. Look for the more recent additions, which tend to be the best.

Beer mugs, or glasses with a soccer theme at least, are a good touch. Usually, they would most likely be pint sized, but half-pints might be available also. Or, you could go for a decorative club cup.

Overall, any of this merchandise would be suitable. Bigger clubs will have more club specific products, but certainly you can find more general soccer products available in sports shops.

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