Yes, shin guards will be required. Do whatever you want re shoes, but cleats are safer.

They sell cleats for little kids at Target very cheaply.

Sneakers should be fine, assuming there isn't some sort of "rule" saying kids must wear cleats. Our DS wore sneakers for soccer at that age.

However, shin guards or something similar (like shin socks) will likely be required for safety/protection, even at that age.

I thought my son would not wear them and it was not an issue. Sports authority had Adidas shoes last year for $20 and I forget how much the shin guards were. We got the ones that just slide into a sleeve.

try shin socks. DD didn't like shin guards when she was little, but she tolerated the shin socks
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2643878

Another idea is to put the shin guards outside of the socks instead of trying to put them on under the socks.

Cleats are not necessary, but the kids will probably enjoy having the special shoes!

I think you'll have to ask the team's coach. It's required for MSI up in maryland. Just go to sports authority and buy some and tell them if they want to play, they have to wear them.

Our twins are about to start their first soccer season -- I don't think either of them would deal well with shin guards or cleats & not sure it's worth the 'battle' of trying to get them to wear them. How necessary are they at this age vs. sneakers (which is allowed at this age in the league they are playing in).