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Soccer Ball Sizing - Buying the Right Ball for your Child

Buying the right soccer ball for your child can be a nightmare. So many to choose from, different pricing and different quality . We have put together a brief page on what to look for when purchasing a soccer ball.

There are five (5) sizes of soccer balls - only three (3) are used in competitive play

Size 1 - Training Ball - otherwise known as a "MINI" usually has a circumference of 18"

Size 2 - Training Ball - usually has a circumference of 20"

Size 3 - Used for Children Under 8 Years Old. They are the smallest soccer balls used for competitive play. Circumference is usually between 23 - 24 inches and weigh between 11-12 ounces. They are usually inflated to nine pounds per square inch (PSI).

Size 4 are used for players from 8 years old to 12 years old. Some leagues use the Size 4 for all of their play including the younger children. Check with your local league to make sure which size you are using for under 8 years old. Circumference is between 25 to 26 inches and weigh between 12 and 13 ounces. They are usually inflated to nine (9) pounds per square inch (PSI)

Size 5 - used for players 13 years old and up. This size ball is used for all MLS, international and adult play. Usually you will see a "Match Play" or "Designed to International Standards" on the highly competitive balls. These balls are usually 14 - 16 ounces and 27 -28" in circumference. Also - you may see "NFHS" printed on the ball - this means the ball has been approved for High School use by the National Federation of High Schools.

Age	Size Ball
3	3
4	3
5	3
6	3
7	3
8	3 or 4
9	4
10	4
11	4
12	4
13 & Up	5

Soccer Ball CONSTRUCTION

Most soccer balls today that have covers and bladders (much like a tire and tube on a car) are made of several materials:

COVERS

Synthetic, Polyurethane (PU) or PVC

	Synthetic: most of the premier soccer balls are made from synthetic materials. Synthetic leather is the most popular. They are usually the most expensive soccer balls and have a softer feel but are much less durable than PVC or PU balls. Usually a soccer club or coach will have one or two Synthetic balls he/she saves for match play. They are usually synthetic balls.
	Polyurethane (PU): these are the most popular of the soccer balls made today. They give excellent "feel: to the ball but are very durable and have excellent water resistance.
	PVC: are the least expensive balls and have a very plastic feel. They are the most durable but are also the least popular with growing soccer players. The have a hard feel to them when cold but are very scuff resistant and usually will have the best water resistance.

BLADDER TYPES

There are currently two types of bladder types used in soccer balls: latex and butyl rubber. Latex gives the most lively play but has the least air retention and butyl is known for its durability and air retention. It is not unusual for a butyl bladder soccer ball to hold air longer than the cover lasts!

STITCHING

Years ago the only balls you could purchase were hand stitched balls. While some soccer purists still swear by hand stitched balls (read - more expensive) - many companies have switched to Machine Stitching due to the consistency and cost savings. From our experience, machine stitched balls have held up as well as the hand stitched balls. The very expensive Match Play balls are almost always hand stitched.

Questions about soccer ball construction? Send us an email - we will try to get the answer from our suppliers! sizing@thehab.com

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Page Last Updated: Monday May 03, 2004