Meet the Lion Elite Flex Youth: The Shin Pad Upgrade Young Players Have Been Waiting For

If you’ve ever stood on the touchline watching your child stop mid game to pull up a sock or push a shin pad back into place, you’ll know the problem. Traditional kids shin pads slip, twist and rub, and when they do, young players lose focus on the one thing they want to do: play football.

That’s why we created the Lion Elite Flex Youth Shin Pad with Sleeve.

It’s built specifically for young players aged roughly 6 to 13, with a flexible protective pad built into a sleeve that grips the leg and stays put from kick-off to the final whistle.

Here’s what makes it different, and why it’s worth the upgrade.

Why parents are upgrading

1. A closer fit, made for youth legs

Many kids’ shin pads come in a single “kids” size that has to cover a wide range of ages and leg shapes.

The Elite Flex Youth comes in two dedicated youth sizes, measured by calf circumference, so you can choose the fit that suits your child now rather than one that’s “close enough”.

•        Youth Small: 22–26 cm calf circumference

•        Youth Medium: 27–32 cm calf circumference

A closer fit means less movement around the leg, less rubbing and more confidence when they go into a challenge.

2. Non-slip silicone grip that keeps everything in place

The sleeve features a ribbed structure with a sticky silicone LION logo, plus extra silicone grip elements on the back of the sleeve. Together they help keep socks securely in place, so there’s no slipping and no stopping to readjust during the game.

For parents, that means fewer half-time fixes. For players, it means fewer distractions.

3. Flexible D30 protection without the bulk

Traditional hard shin pads can feel stiff and uncomfortable, especially for younger players who aren’t used to wearing them. The Elite Flex Youth uses advanced D30 PU material that absorbs impact while staying soft and flexible. It moulds naturally to the leg, so it feels like part of the kit, not something strapped on top of it.

4. Nine colours to match any team kit

Black, White, Gold, Silver, Red, Blue, Green, Pink and Neon Yellow. Whether your child wants to match their club colours or stand out on the pitch, there’s a colour for every kit. It’s also a great option for coaches and managers looking to kit out a whole squad in matching colours.

5. Lightweight and breathable for all-game comfort

The sleeve is made with nylon and spandex for stretch and ventilation, so it stays comfortable through training sessions, matches and back-to-back tournament games.

6. Pull on and play

No straps, no tape and no fiddly fastenings. The pad is built into the sleeve, so kids can pull them on themselves and get straight onto the pitch. That makes busy matchday mornings a little easier for everyone.

Elite Flex Youth vs Flex+: which one is right for your player?

Our Flex+ Sleeve Shin Pads remain one of our most popular products and are a brilliant everyday option for players of all ages, from kids right through to adults. The Elite Flex Youth is our step up for young players who want a closer fit, extra grip and more colour choice.

	Elite Flex Youth (new)	Flex+ Sleeve Shin Pads
Best for	Youth players who want a closer, locked-in fit and kit-matching colour	Everyday training and matches, kids to adults
Colours	9	4
Sizes (calf circumference)	Youth Small 22–26 cm, Youth Medium 27–32 cm	Kids 21–30 cm, Small Adult 30–36 cm, Large Adult 37–47 cm
Protection	Flexible D30 impact-absorbing material	Flexible built-in shin guard
Sleeve	Lightweight, breathable stretch sleeve	Breathable mesh
Silicone grip	Yes, including the back of the sleeve	No
Straps or tape needed	No	No

In short: if your child is between sizes in our standard kids range, struggles with pads slipping, or wants to match their team colours, the Elite Flex Youth is the upgrade to go for.

How to choose the right size

Measure around the widest part of your child’s calf with a soft tape measure, then choose the size that matches:

• 22–26 cm: Youth Small (typically around ages 6–9)
• 27–32 cm: Youth Medium (typically around ages 9–13)

Growing quickly? If your child is at the top of the Youth Small range, Youth Medium may last them longer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need separate socks or tape?

No tape is needed. The pad is built into the sleeve, and the silicone grip helps keep football socks in place over the top.

What ages is the Elite Flex Youth designed for?

It’s designed for youth players, roughly ages 6 to 13. Sizing is based on calf circumference, so we always recommend measuring rather than going by age alone.

My child already wears Flex+. Should they switch?

If Flex+ fits well and your child is happy, there’s no need to change. If they’re outgrowing their current size, find their pads slipping, or want a colour to match their kit, the Elite Flex Youth is a great next step.

How quickly will my order arrive?

We offer same or next day despatch, with free standard delivery on orders over £30 and an express next-day option for orders placed before 1pm.

Get your Elite Flex Youth shin pads

The Lion Elite Flex Youth Shin Pad with Sleeve is available now in 9 colours and 2 youth sizes. Shop the Elite Flex Youth range and give your young player protection that stays put, so they can focus on their game.