Junior Hockey Goalkeeper Kit: Choosing Between Grays G90, G100, Nitro and Mercian Genesis

A young goalkeeper needs more protective kit than anyone else on the pitch, and the choice can be confusing. Two well-known brands, several ranges and a mix of full sets and single pieces all make it harder to know where to start. This guide compares the Grays G90 and G100 sets, the Grays Nitro range and the Mercian Genesis kit, so a parent, teacher or coach can narrow the choice quickly.

What is in a goalkeeper set, and what is not?

Most junior sets cover the legs, feet and hands: legguards, kickers and hand protectors. Some add a chest pad and a bag. A helmet is almost always a separate purchase, and so are padded shorts, an abdominal guard and a throat guard. Check the product page for exactly what is in each set before you order, as contents differ between ranges.

Sizes and ages come from our product listings. Where a listing gives no age range, we have not made one up, so please ask us if you are unsure.

Grays G90 Junior Goalie Set

The G90 Junior Goalie Set was developed with coaches and young keepers, with particular attention to protection and sizing so that a young goalkeeper feels confident. It is built from high-density moulded foam and suits children who play regularly in schools and junior teams. The set comes with kickers, legguards, hand protectors, a chest pad and a duffle bag, which makes it a complete starting point.

Grays G100 Junior Goalie Set

The G100 Junior Goalie Set steps up from the G90 and is aimed at club use. It uses dual-density foam, with a durable outer layer for sliding and a soft lining for comfort, and has a sculpted shape for dynamic keeping. The set includes kickers, legguards and hand protectors in a ventilated mesh duffle sack. The junior sizes are listed for ages 12 to 14. A senior G100 set is listed separately for older or larger keepers.

Grays Nitro range

Nitro is sold as individual pieces rather than a single set, so you can build a kit to suit the keeper and add to it over time. The range includes legguards, kickers, hand protectors, body armour, arm guards, a neck guard and junior padded shorts, plus abdominal guards for boys and men and girls and women. The padded shorts use polymer armour with high-density foam, and the padding is removable so the garment can be washed. Sizes vary by item, so check each product page.

Mercian Genesis: British-made kit for young keepers

Mercian make their Genesis goalkeeping kit in the UK, and it is where many young keepers move up to when they want better protection and a closer fit. The range is split into three levels.

Genesis 3 is the junior range for beginner and intermediate keepers. The Genesis 3 GK Set comes in Mini, X-Small, Small and Medium sizes, which the listing places at about ages 6 to 12, and includes legguards, kickers and hand guards (gloves). The legguards use dual-layer high-density foam that moulds to the leg over the first few sessions, and the kickers have an outer foam layer for protection with an inner layer for comfort. Junior padded shorts are sold separately.

Genesis 2 is aimed at intermediate club and school keepers. Its legguards, kickers and gloves are sold as separate pieces and suit both junior and senior keepers.

Genesis 1 is the top of the Genesis range, with legguards, kickers and gloves for keepers who want the highest level of protection in the range. If you are buying for an older or more experienced junior, it is worth a look.

Helmets

A helmet is a separate purchase, and the right one depends on age and level. Mercian list three options:

• The Genesis 3 X-Small helmet, for players up to under-10 with a cats-eye grill.
• The Genesis 3 junior/youth helmet, listed for players up to under-14 boys and under-16 girls.
• The Genesis fibreglass helmet, for intermediate and club players, in junior and senior sizes.

Rules on protective equipment vary between leagues, schools and age groups, so check what your own competition requires before you buy.

Choosing the right size

Fit matters more than the badge on the kit. Pads that are too big can slip and restrict movement, and pads that are too small leave gaps, so buy for the keeper as they are now rather than for next year. Mercian list their Genesis 3 sizes by age, and Grays list the G100 junior for ages 12 to 14, but children grow at different rates, so treat ages as a guide. If you are unsure, email us with their age, height and the kit you are considering and we will help you pick a size.

Buying for a school or club

Schools and clubs often need more than one set. If you are kitting out several keepers, or you want a mix of sizes and brands, email us at sales@martinberrillsports.com and we will help you put it together. You can also browse everything in our hockey goalkeeping equipment, hockey helmets and hockey protection collections, or the full Mercian range.

Quick answers

What age is the Grays G100 Junior set for? The listing gives ages 12 to 14.

Does a goalkeeper set include a helmet? No. Helmets, padded shorts and abdominal guards are bought separately, and the G90 set is the one that includes a chest pad.

What is the difference between the G90 and the G100? The G90 is aimed at schools and junior teams and includes a chest pad. The G100 is aimed at club use and uses dual-density foam.

Which kit suits a child under 10? The Mercian Genesis 3 set starts at Mini and X-Small, which the listing places at about ages 6 to 10.

Can I mix brands? Yes, many keepers do, for example Nitro shorts with Genesis legguards. Check the sizing on each item.

Details are taken from our product listings and were checked in October 2026. Stock and sizes change, so please check each product page, and email us if you are unsure.