Below you will find the soccer ball sizes right for you sorted by age, weight and circumference. We put this tool together after noticing a lot of people asking “what size soccer ball should I buy” and “what size soccer ball does my child need”. To find the right size ball for you, simply select the age you are buying for from the options below which will then direct you to further details.
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Click on the age that you are buying for above and get the exact size ball you should be looking for.
You would think that buying a ball would be simple, and it can be. However, many players are surprised when they discover that you have to consider the size, weight and/or circumference of the ball before buying one to make sure it is the best ball for the age of those who will be playing with it. Use the tool above to find the exact specifications you should be looking for when purchasing or enjoy the condensed table below.
Using an age range to find the right size ball is a great idea but you will want to check your league standards and regulations if you have competitive play in mind. Each league can have their own unique rules and regulations so you should check with your coach or league official if you have any doubts about the size ball needed to play.
Soccer Ball Size Chart
| Ball Size | Circumference | Weight | Age |
| Size 1 | 18 – 20 in | 7 Oz | Any age |
| Size 2 | 21 – 22 in | 9 Oz | Infants and juniors |
| Size 3 | 23 – 24 in | 11 – 12 Oz | 8 and younger (U8, U7, U6, U5, U4) |
| Size 4 | 25 – 26 in | 12 – 14 Oz | 12 and younger (U12, U11, U10, U9) |
| Size 5 | 27 – 28 in | 14 – 16 Oz | 13 and older |
There are a number of sizes of soccer balls as you can see in the size guide above. Each one if used for a different purpose and/or age level.
- Size 1 is used for basic skills training and younger players. Sometimes you may even see promotional balls or souvenirs being referred to as size one ball.
- Size 2 is the perfect size for younger kids/youth players who want to practise in an enclosed or small space.
- Size 3 balls are generally used by players under 8 years old who want to develop their techniques.
- Size 4 is the size most often accepted for players between 8 and 12 years old. They are slightly lighter than the official ones used in FIFA events.
- Size 5 used by teenagers and adults and also in official FIFA matches.
The size and weight of the ball you use can have quite the effect on your game. A lighter ball could lead to an increase in inaccurate shots and make the results of any game less conclusive. Furthermore, in competitive games you will want to use a size ball that all players are used to using and training with.
The weight of the ball being used in game is not the only thing to consider, the air pressure must also be taken into account. We have put together the table below of the recommended air pressure for each size ball. Air pressure only becomes more important once we start looking at competitive games, so for this reason the recommended pressures start at size 3 balls as these are the first size used in leagues (with them being used in youth leagues).
Soccer Ball PSI Chart
| Size | Pressure (PSI) |
| 3 | 8.5 – 15.6 PSI |
| 4 | 8.5 – 15.6 PSI |
| 5 | 8.5 – 15.6 PSI |
Are Soccer Balls the Same Size for Boys and Girls?
Currently, the same size soccer balls are used in competitive games being played by both boys and girls. For this reason, it makes sense to base your purchasing decision of the age of the player(s) as opposed to the gender. However, research has been published (Science Daily) which claims to have found a higher rate of concussion and injury in female players perhaps due to the weight of the balls being used. Although further research claims to have disproven this (British Journal of Sports Medicine). Overall, if you take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of injury and take appropriate action when an injury does occur, you shouldn’t have any problems.
What size soccer ball for 3 year old?
A 3 year old will want to use a size 1 soccer ball. This is the lightest size that you can buy (7 Oz) and is perfectly suited for those new to the sport who are a little smaller and who don’t yet have the strength to play with a heavier one. See the most recommended size 1 ball below.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Many 3 year olds want to get involved in soccer and it is one of those sports which will only get more popular as they get older. As a team sport, it is a great opportunity for them to make new friends and develop a healthy competitive spirit. Size one balls are light enough for them to develop their dribbling and shooting techniques safely and in some cases can even be used indoors.
Needless to say, should you be buying for someone under 3 years old they will also want to be using the lightest ball they can find which will be a size 1 or a “mini” soccer ball.
What size soccer ball for 4 year old?
A 4 year old player should use a size 3 ball. This is the size they will use should they enter a tournament or take part in a competitive match. The 11 – 12 Oz balls are heavy enough that they can start adding power to their kicks but not so heavy that they are likely to cause injury to players of this age.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
The ages between 4 and 8 are when a kid can really perfect their foundational soccer skills. They should practise dribbling, tackling and shot variations to improve speed and accuracy. Effective training should make them confident on the pitch and confident with the ball which will carry them forward and allow them to progress well into their teenager and adult playing years.
What size soccer ball for 5 year old?
For 5 year old players, you will need a size 3 soccer ball. The odd kick-about with a slightly heavier one won’t do any harm but a properly inflated size 3 ball will help them develop their basic soccer skills most effectively. These 11 – 12 Oz balls have been designed with this age group in mind and perform best when inflated to 8.5 – 15.6 PSI.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
5 years old is the age when many start getting into the sport as them and their friends start looking for a quick, easy activity to enjoy at lunch or break times in school. At this age, it is important to just let them enjoy the sport without putting pressure on them to play competitively or overtrain. If they enjoy the game, progress will come and a healthy competitive streak will develop naturally.
What size soccer ball for 6 year old?
At 6 years old your son, daughter or students should be using a size 3 soccer ball. The lighter weight ball will allow them to play more effectively and keep their focus on developing their basic technique and goal line strategy. They will also be best prepared should they wish to enter a league.
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Whether they just want to have some fun in the garden, play some 5-a-side or play in a tournament, at this age they will be using a size 3 ball. Now is the time for them to enjoy the sport and learn about all the teams out there they can choose to support (or if you’re like most families, team loyalty is passed down the generations). No doubt they will be quick to identify their favourite players and be loving the game for years to come.
What size soccer ball for 7 year old?
The average 7 year old should use a size 3 soccer ball in order to have the best and safest game possible. A size 3 ball inflated to the FIFA standard 8.5 – 15.6 PSI will do wonders for your child or students soccer skills and confidence. Perfect for everything from a playground kick about to competitive games.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
You may start to see some prodigy players around the age of 7 as the stars on a local school team start standing out. One thing that will help set your 7 year old girl or boy on the right track is a high quality size 3 ball. Enjoy it whilst you can, next year it is likely they will be moving onto a slightly larger size ball and maybe, taking the game a bit more seriously.
What size soccer ball for 8 year old?
At 8 years old you should move up to a size 4 soccer ball. As your son/daughter/student moves out of the U8 league into the U9 one and all the way up to U12 games, they will be using the size 4 ball. At 25 – 26 inches in circumference and weighing approximately 12 – 14 Oz, this is the second to largest size ball available.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
Next year they may consider joining an academy or you might start thinking about if they will be scouted any time soon. So, this is the optimal age to make sure they have the right equipment to really developer their soccer skills. Pick up a size 4 ball so they can perfect their corners, free kicks, ball control and more.
What size soccer ball for 9 year old?
For a 9 year old, stick to a size 4 soccer ball. Offering just the right size, circumference and weight for players of all different shapes and sizes without being so heavy it messes with their accuracy and ball control. They should use this size for as long as they intend to play in the U13 league after which, they should move up a size.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
At this age, kids can go through growth spurts and be all different shapes, sizes and strengths. This is likely why the tournaments and leagues go from size 3 to size 4. The size 4 soccer balls allow them to take their accuracy and foot skills to the next level. Like the other size balls, make sure to inflate to between 8.5 and 15.6 PSI.
What size soccer ball for 10 year old?
If you are purchasing a soccer ball for a 10 year old boy or girl, you should get a size 4 ball. The 25 – 26 inch circumference is large enough that they can start getting used to playing with a bigger ball (prepping them for when they reach the 13 and older leagues) but not so large that smaller 10 years old will struggle with their footwork and ball control.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Double digits, you may see their interest in the sport really start picking up as more competitive matches start presenting themselves. It is likely they will be watching it and taking part at school or as part of a weekend league and their friends will all be looking forward to the next match also.
What size soccer ball for 11 year old?
Many a pro has been scouted at the age of 11. At 11 years old, you will want to get your son, daughter, student or loved one a size 4 soccer ball. The size four ball is used in youth competitive matches and school games/lessons. They will likely continue using this size until the age of 13+.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
You can tell an awful lot about a player when they are in their early years. These are the ages when they must develop confident on the pitch and confidence in their offensive and defensive skills. With the right size 4 ball, they can progress effectively and become the best adult player they are capable of becoming.
What size soccer ball for 12 year old?
A 12 year old should be using a size 4 soccer ball. This is the last year before they should move up to the size 5 ball and in these next few months, they should start (or continue) working on their power and accuracy. At 25 and 26 inches in circumference, the ball might be starting to feel just that little bit too small for a taller, stronger or larger 12 year old. Keep with it though, any competitive games played at this age will still use a size four.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
The U12/U13 (under 12 and/or under 13) leagues have some fierce competition. Up against other kids who might have been playing for years, you will want to make sure that your twelve year old has the right equipment for their age. This starts with getting them training with a size 4 ball and also means their boots, kit and even water bottle are working for them, not against them.
What size soccer ball for 13 year old?
At 13 years old, a size 5 soccer ball should be used. This is the first year they will move to the standard size. This is the size used in official Fifa games and at the professional level. Throughout the rest of their soccer career, they will be using this size ball. The ball is 27 – 28 inches in circumference and should weigh approximately 14 – 16 Oz when inflated to between 8.5 and 15.6 PSI.
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Enter the teenage years and get ready for their interest in sport, health and fitness to (hopefully) sky rocket. Not only does the social opportunities of being actively involved in a team sport become even more appealing but being in shape and healthy will also be a concern when it comes to dating! The good news? A size 5 ball is the only size you need to remember when shopping for a new one going forward. Size 5 is the largest size and is used by all players over the age of 13.
What size soccer ball for 14 year old?
For a 14 year old, you will want to purchase a size 5 soccer ball. This size will allow them to perfect their kicking technique and defensive skills. It also just so happens to be the same size they will be using when it comes to tournaments, league games or competitive matches. There are many affordable options even in this size and when used properly, should last you at lease a year or so.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
One Levett study revealed most under-21 players didn’t actually start taking the sport seriously until the ages 14 or 15 (as reported by the BBC). So, if your kid is 14 years old and looking for a sport to try, now could be the perfect time for them jump into the world of soccer. At this age they will have a natural interest in sports, a competitive spirit and be able to start applying some more discipline and consistency to their training regimes.
What size soccer ball for 15 year old?
Size 5 soccer balls should be used for 15 year old players. At this age there isn’t much point training with any other size ball as this could even have adverse effects and throw things off in a competitive match when a size 5 is used. So if you know a 15 year old boy or girl looking to start their soccer training, gift them a high quality ball in the right size.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
Maybe you know a 15 year old who is part of their local youth team and are looking to develop their skills or maybe you know someone this age who just fancies a decent quality ball to have a kick around. The one above is a good option or alternatively, you don’t have to look far to find a premium ball at an affordable price. Soccer balls are generally fairly priced and easy to come by. It is when looking at boots and jerseys that costs can start adding up.
What size soccer ball for 16 year old?
A 16 year old boy or girl should be training with a size 5 soccer ball. In the last few years before entering adulthood, they should aim to perfect their shooting, tackling and dribbling techniques and develop their overall game strategy. One of the best ways to do this is by having the right equipment and this starts with the ball that lies at their feet.
*Details last updated on 2023-05-24
As they get nearer to college applications some 16 year olds may even consider scholarships. To achieve whatever sports aspirations they have (college entrance and funding or just a bit of fun) they will want to be training with a size 5 ball. The same size they will continue to use throughout their soccer practise and matches until the day that they decide to hang up their boots.
Sources
FIFA, Testing and Certification for Footballs, May 2006.
FIFA, Laws of The Game, 2015/2016.
US Youth Soccer, Rules of The Game, Accessed on 9th September 2019.
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