MDF Enterprises at SDA Shopping Complex, opposite Iqbal Park, Srinagar is a NIVIA and COSCO dealer and sells footballs, turf boots, goalposts and nets. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, delivers across J&K and accepts bulk and GeM orders.

Choosing the right football

School teams and clubs mostly play with a size 5 ball, used from about age 12 upwards. Size 4 suits younger groups, and size 3 the youngest players. Stitched balls stand up well to rough ground, while thermally bonded balls keep their shape and take on less water in wet weather.

Check the cover material and the bladder. A PU cover feels softer and lasts longer than cheap PVC, and a butyl bladder holds air for longer between pumping.

What to look for in turf boots

Artificial turf calls for turf boots with many short rubber studs, not the long moulded or metal studs made for natural grass. Short studs grip the synthetic surface and put less strain on knees and ankles.

  • Fit: boots should be snug without pinching. Try them on with the socks worn for matches.
  • Upper: leather is comfortable but gets heavy when wet. Synthetic uppers are lighter and dry faster, which many schools prefer.
  • Sole: a flat sole covered in small studs spreads pressure evenly on turf and on hard school grounds.

Most young players are happiest in a low-cut boot, while some older players like a mid-cut collar for extra support.

Goalposts and nets

Full-size goals are 7.32 m wide and 2.44 m high. Junior and small-sided games use smaller goals, so check the rules of the league or tournament your players enter before ordering.

Steel frames with a powder-coated finish resist rust through wet Kashmir winters and suit grounds that see heavy use. Aluminium frames are lighter and easier to move, which helps if goals are packed away between sessions.

Choose UV-treated nets; they last longer in the sun and do not fray as fast.

Buying tips for schools and clubs

When ordering in bulk, ask for a mix of ball sizes so each age group has the right one. Try a pair of boots on a few players before buying a whole team's worth.

Look after the kit. Check ball pressure before practice, clean mud off boots after every use, and inspect goalpost bolts and net hooks every few months. Keep purchase dates and warranty details on file for each item.

Where to buy

See the full range on our football and turf equipment page, or visit MDF Enterprises in Srinagar when you are ready to order.