This may sound mean, but maybe as they approach adulthood they have to face the consequences of forgetting. You could ask them before getting in the car if they have everything and then drive them to the game. If they don't have cleats or other needed equipment -- they don't play. You would explain beforehand the new approach.
That is true to a point, but I think this method should be deployed with care.
We have a super-forgetful DS11: turning in homework and keeping track of papers is an especial problem. While some would advocate a "cold turkey" approach, we are doing this more gradually.
In some cases, he truly doesn't have the skills yet, so we break them down and teach/support until he has them. In the case of soccer cleats, that would look like a leaving-the-house checklist. I'd probably prompt the use of the checklist but not the actual items. In the case of homework, it's a reminder to use the planner and checking on completed homework going to the right folder, but less and less support of the doing of the homework itself. We are no longer micro-managing content, but we sure used to.
We are over time gradually raising our expectations and withdrawing our support according to our estimate of what he can do successfully. Crises stress him out and make him feel he's incapable; he does better with gradual work on these issues and a track record of success that boosts his belief in his ability to organize.
We are also having him serve as his own advocate when he messes up: you forgot to turn this in, you go make it right with the teacher. That's a natural consequence, too, but one that builds problem-solving skills.
