Tips for staying warm when playing football in winter

Q: How do football players stay warm?

When the temperatures really start to drop, you may choose to take some extra precautions by wearing thermal base layers.Capable of helping players keep their body heat where it needs to be during cold matches, our football thermals have the added benefit of providing muscle compression. This means that, if you find yourself standing still in the cold for any length of time, whether you’re grabbing a drink or being sent off the pitch for a substitution, you won’t cool down too quickly. These additional layers of protection play a huge role in preventing injuries, so making sure you have a cold weather base layer for training sessions and matches is massively important.

Q: How do you stay warm off the pitch in winter football?

The real challenge for football players trying to keep warm during colder weather comes when they’re out of play. Non-active players, such as those sitting on the bench waiting to get onto the pitch, need to make sure they’re warm and ready to go at a moment’s notice. On the other side of that coin, players who leave the pitch through the match also need to be careful that they don’t cool down too quickly once they stop moving. Fortunately, for players hitting the pitch in the first minute or the last, there’s a wide range of football winter jackets at Avec Sport designed to help maintain a steadier body temperature.

Q: How do you stay warm as a goalkeeper?

During long training sessions out in the cold, staying warm is a challenge, and that is made even more difficult if you’re standing guarding the goal for long periods of time. To make sure you get the most out of your goalkeeper training, we recommend investing in a pair of Focus tech pants. Covering the full length of your legs, these pants make up an important part of your winter football clothing and, when paired with the cold weather base layer, you’ll be ready to catch every attempted goal that comes your way.

It’s easy to forget that football can be an all-weather sport, played around the world in all seasons by grassroots teams and fans of the sport. As temperatures drop and winter conditions set in, football doesn’t have to slow down; in fact, it remains a demanding pursuit that challenges both body and mind. The icy air, hardened pitches, and biting winds of the season can take a toll on players, affecting everything from muscle flexibility to concentration.

However, if you’re training in milder temperatures or freezing -2℃. Staying warm on the pitch is not simply a matter of comfort; it’s essential for safety, agility, and sustained energy throughout play.

From selecting appropriate thermal layers and weather-resistant gear to implementing effective warm-up routines, every detail contributes to keeping players at peak performance and in this blog, we’re going to guide you through the best ways to keep warm during winter training.

Why it’s important to keep warm during winter football training

The cold can affect both your performance and safety. Cold temperatures cause muscles and joints to tighten, reducing flexibility and increasing the risk of strains, pulls, and other injuries. When the body is cold, it also causes reaction times to slow down, and coordination can suffer, making it harder to execute precise movements or respond quickly during fast-paced drills and matches.

Being cold can also lead to feeling fatigued faster, as your body will be trying to preserve warmth and using up energy. So you want to ensure you’re taking the right steps to keep warm, for both your health and your athletic performance.

How do football players stay warm in winter?

No matter how low the temperature drops, there are multiple ways to combat the bite of winter and stay warm during your games. Below, we’ve included some top tips to help you understand how to manage the cold effectively, ensuring that players can continue to train and compete confidently, regardless of the season’s chill.

Prioritise a good warm-up routine

Cold muscles are more prone to injury, so spending extra time warming up before training is essential in the colder months. Begin with dynamic stretches and light cardio such as jogging, high knees, or short sprints to gradually raise your heart rate and increase blood flow. This will help performance, keep you warm and help prevent injuries.

Take advantage of base layers

Wearing multiple layers helps trap heat and allows you to adjust as your body warms up. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer such as this BodyFit Jersey and Fusion Body Fit Short combination to draw sweat away from your skin and combat the cold weather. They’re engineered with performance in mind, made to protect and enhance your muscles and energy output during those important winter games.

BODYFIT JERSEY (GRAPHITE) - £11.95 FUSION BODY FIT SHORT (NAVY) - £7.75

However, we all know how cold it can get in the UK, and so you won’t want to stop at base layers. Whether you’re on the bench or right at the centre of the game, training jackets are a must to stop winter's chill from slowing you down. Take this Evolve QZ Jacket, with its blend of materials that improve ventilation during workout sessions, and draw excess moisture away from the body. This added layer is the perfect addition for both warmth and comfort.

EVOLVE QZ JACKET (BLACK) - £22.25

Wear warm accessories

On top of the extra layers, you may want to consider some warm accessories to keep your hands, ears, feet and neck warm. These will be great for when you’re taking a water break, gearing up before a match or even between training drills. They’ll keep your body warm when you’re not moving about as much - so you can start at a comfortable temperature.

Consider a hat such as this bobble hat in navy blue and yellow. Crafted from soft, durable fabric to ensure warmth and a snug fit, this bobble hat combines comfort with a sporty flair to ensure you’re keeping warm all winter long.

BOBBLE HAT (NAVY) - £6.25

One of the biggest added layers you need to consider is your socks. Cold, wet feet can quickly sap your energy and focus, so reliable socks are a must in winter football games. These Classic Team Socks are complete with high-quality, sweat-wicking fabrics to keep your feet dry, with a snug band and cushioning to ensure a soft and supportive fit on the pitch.

CLASSIC TEAM SOCK (WHITE/NAVY) - £4.45

Keep moving between drills

Avoid standing still for long periods during training sessions. Even small movements like jogging on the spot or stretching between drills help maintain body heat. Once you stop moving, your body cools rapidly, especially in windy conditions.

Keep hydrated and fueled up

Food and drinks are a great way to combat the cold. They give you the extra energy you’ll need when playing sports in icy conditions. It’s easy to forget about hydration in cold weather, but staying hydrated supports circulation and temperature regulation, while eating a balanced meal before training and bringing a warm drink, such as tea or a sports drink, helps maintain energy levels throughout the session.

Cool down after training

The cool down is just as important as the warm up for preventing the risk of injury that comes with cold weather. We recommend changing into dry clothes as soon as possible and doing some stretching indoors to help your muscles recover and prevent stiffness from the cold.

Stay warm during your winter matches with Avec sport

Staying warm during winter football is about far more than comfort - it’s about protecting your body, maintaining performance, and ensuring you can continue to enjoy the game you love all year long. The cold can be relentless, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to hold you back. By taking the time to prepare properly, you not only guard yourself against injury and fatigue but also give yourself the confidence to play freely, no matter what the weather brings.

Make sure you’re ready for the upcoming winter season and grab high-quality baselayers, training jackets and training hats. No matter what you need to keep your performance high, we have a wide range of kit to cater to your winter football training at Avec Sport.