Links to West Michigan
Youth Football Organizations

• Portage Rocket Football

• Otsego Rocket Football

Helmets (Keep it Light!)

Sports Brokers carries quality helmets for all levels of players by Schutt, Nocona, Riddell and Adams. Most helmets are priced between $50 and $60 – all of them meet industry standards for protection and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know a helmet fits my child?
   Head injuries can be serious, so correct fit is absolutely critical to ensure adequate protection. There are several variables to consider, including the helmet size, chin strap adjustment and jaw pad thickness. Since head sizes and shapes are different, we recommend that you consult a qualified professional for personal fitting.
   
   To prevent neck fatigue, a lighter-weight helmet is desirable– especially for younger kids.

2. How long does a helmet typically last?
   The truth is, your child will probably outgrow a helmet before it wears out. Most kids can expect to get two years of use from a properly-fitted football helmet. Due to growth and normal wear and tear, jaw pads and chin straps should be inspected (and, if necessary, replaced) annually.

3. What kind of face mask should I look for?
   Open masks allow better visibility, and are available on nearly all of our helmets. "T-bar" masks provide maximum protection for the eyes and nose and they are great for beginners. We carry T-bar masks for Riddell helmets only.

4. Can I trust a used helmet?
   In many cases, a used helmet may work just fine. If you're considering a used helmet for your child, bring it along to one of our fitting clinics – Sports Brokers will always try to fit your child with a used helmet before recommending a new one.
   
   Avoid purchasing a used helmet if the interior padding is missing. In some cases, it may not be possible to obtain proper replacement padding. Even if replacement interior padding is available, remember that it will significantly add to the cost of the used helmet. Furthermore, missing padding may void the manufacturer's warranty. Also say "no" to a used bladder-type helmet if the bladder is damaged.

Shoulder Pads

We offer 11 different sizes of shoulder pads to ensure a snug, personal fit for your child. For most kids 7- to 12-years old, we recommend pads by Nacona. Our Schutt pads are rated for middle school play only. Prices for most shoulder pads range between $30 and $42, depending upon size and model. They are fitted according to the child's weight, neck, chest, and shoulder size. Just like helmets, proper fitting is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do can I ensure that my child's shoulder pads fit properly?
   Shoulder pads should fit snugly around the chest above the arms. They should always be laced up tightly. The padding around the neck should be adjustable to customize the fit to your child's body. Again, ensure maximum protection, we recommend that your child be professionally fitted for shoulder pads.

2. Should my child wear clothing under his or her shoulder pads?
   Yes. To prevent chaffing from the straps, we recommend a short-sleeve T-shirt under the should pads.

3. What is the expected usable life for a set of shoulder pads?
   Typically, you can expect to keep a set of shoulder pads for two to three years. Our pads can be oversized with neck adjustments to stretch out your investment.

4. The straps or buckles on my child's pads are broken. Should I buy new shoulder pads?
   Not necessarily. In many cases, should pads can be repaired. Sports Brokers carries replacement T-buckles and shoulder pad straps. Let us take a look at the pads before you replace them.

5. Should I consider used shoulder pads for my child?
   Since the straps and buckles can usually be repaired or replaced, a used set of shoulder pads may work for your child. Again, bring your used gear to one of our fitting clinics – we'll give you an honest opinion.

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Pants & Pad Sets

Our pants are made with 11 to 12 oz. stretch polyester. You won't find a better quality pair of football pants in town, and they're warranted for the season against snap loss and tearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size football pants do you carry?
   We carry youth sizes from XX-small to 4X large. Larger adult wear is also available for bigger kids from small to 4XL.

2. Can I replace the pad set in my child's football pants?
   Sports Brokers carries a 7-piece pad set that is interchangeable to any youth pant with snaps. Adult pants require a girdle with a 3-piece pad set, adult knee, and thigh pads – we carry these too. In addition to the pad sets, we now also carry individual replacement pads for most pants.

3. How should football pants be laundered?
   Our pants are machine washable. Avoid use of heavy bleach, and always remove pad sets from the pants before washing.

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