Football size guide – what sized soccer ball should you buy your kid?
Do you want your son or daughter to become the next Lionel Messi or Marta?
If so, then they need to be playing with the right ball.
Not doing so could be monumental in preventing them from developing and may lead to injuries.
So, here’s a guide to what football to buy for your children so that in the future they can pay off your mortgage.
Age 0-4 – Mini Size 1 football (45-51cm circumference)
This is the period where ‘project Mbappe’ starts.
The time to give your child its first taste of the beautiful game.
You might think to wait until they’re older?
No!
There’s no better time.
But where do you start?
Well a size one ball is the perfect introduction for a youngster.
It’ll suit kids up-to the age of four.
The ball is around 45-50cm circumference.
This football isn’t as easy to buy as others, so may cost a bit more but you can find it for less than £5 on sale at Decathlon.
Age 4-5 – Midi Size 2 football (52-56cm circumference)
This is where the level really steps up.
The next generation of Arjen Robben’s dribbling around the living room have arrived.
The circumference increases to around 50-55cm.
Such a ball isn’t just a short-term investment either, as this can often be used by all ages to practice their skills.
So if your kid wants to be a freestyle footballer, then this is the perfect ball to learn with.
This will cost around £10, but you can easily find it for less.
Age 6-9 – Size 3 football (58-60cm circumference)
The years of playground football is upon you.
Your kid wants to be the best out there to impress his mates.
A size three football is a must buy for this.
It has a 58-60cm circumference.
Now if you dislike buying toys that your kids won’t use or try once and never again, then this is the football for you. In these four years, that football will be used more than their toothbrush!
Until they kick it over the fence…
Fortunately, you can easily re-buy these for around £5.
Age 10-14 – Size 4 football (63-66cm circumference)
By now they’d have mastered the size 3 ball, but this is when it’s time to upgrade.
The circumference is around 63-66cm and lets the football fanatics thrive.
They’re not far off the senior ball but not quite ready yet.
This can be bought for under £10 in various places.
Age 15+ – Size 5 football (67-71cm circumference)
The puberty growth spurts have come and now they’re ready for the senior ball.
Grandmother’s everywhere are bewildered by how much they’ve grown.
It measures around 68-70cm and is the ball that’s used in international football world-wide.
To your relief, the confusion ends there.
Once they’ve hit 15, just get them a size five football, no matter the age.
And even if you think they’ve got enough, you can be sure they’ll lose a few to the rivers and bushes in the years to come!
These are easy and cheap to buy anywhere.
Honourable mentions
Inflatable football
This was a childhood classic. If you don’t fancy getting your toddler or young child a hard football, then this is a good alternative. You won’t have to worry about the furniture because this will just bounce off.
Be wary about using it in the wind around too many trees though…
Sponge ball
This was PE (Physical Education) heritage. The perfect indoor ball which everyone loved. If they lose their inflatable football, then this is a safe option that won’t fly away.