Puberty changes bodies , and it does not change everybody''s body in the same way or at the same speed.
You might grow taller quickly. Your chest or hips might change. Your weight may change. You may sweat more, start your periods, get spots or suddenly feel much more aware of how your body looks in football kit.
All of this can happen while you are still trying to concentrate on training, friends, school and everything else.
There is no one “football body”
Footballers come in different heights, shapes and builds.
Being taller, shorter, broader, slimmer, developing earlier or developing later does not decide whether you belong on a football pitch.
Your body is also still growing. It does not need to look like somebody else''s body, including a professional player''s body, to be good at sport.
Why can football kit suddenly feel different?
As your body changes, kit that used to feel fine may become uncomfortable.
Shorts might feel tighter. A top may fit differently around your chest. You might want a sports bra or a different size. Light-coloured shorts may make you worry more about period leaks.
That does not mean there is something wrong with your body.
Sometimes the thing that needs changing is simply the kit.
Tell a parent, carer or coach if something you are expected to wear is making it difficult to move comfortably or making you very self-conscious.
What about sports bras?
As breasts develop, some people feel more comfortable wearing a sports bra or supportive sports top when they are active.
A good fit should feel supportive without being painfully tight. The band should sit firmly around your body, straps should not dig in and your breast tissue should feel comfortably contained.
Sizes and brands can fit differently, so the number or letter on the label matters less than how it actually feels.
Ask a parent, carer or trusted adult for help if you need it.
Comparing yourself with teammates
This can be difficult because puberty happens at different times.
One teammate may look much more physically developed while another has hardly started puberty. Both can be completely normal.
Try to remember that you are seeing somebody else''s outside, not everything they may be worrying about themselves.
Your body is not a competition with your teammates.
Comments about bodies are not harmless if they make you uncomfortable
Jokes about weight, breasts, periods, body shape or development can stick with people.
You do not have to laugh along if something makes you uncomfortable.
If a teammate, coach or anyone else repeatedly comments on your body, sexualises you, embarrasses you or makes you feel unsafe, tell a trusted adult.
You do not need to make your body smaller to be better at football
Young players need enough food and energy to grow, learn, recover and play.
Trying to lose weight because you think a footballer should look a certain way can affect your health, energy and enjoyment of sport.
If you find yourself worrying a lot about food, weight or your body, speak to someone you trust.
Focus on what your body can do
Some days body confidence is hard.
It can help to bring your attention back to things your body lets you do: sprint, pass, tackle, laugh with teammates, learn a new skill, recover after a tough session or simply enjoy playing.
You do not have to love every part of your body every day to respect it and look after it.
Remember
Puberty may change how your body looks and feels.
It does not take away your place in football.
Your body is growing , it is not failing a test.
Want to know more?
These Health Hub pages can help: