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Browse any store selling soccer balls and you will see different sizes of
ball being mentioned. Simple rule to follow, is that the smaller the
ball the size, the smaller sized child it will fit.Basically a Size 3 soccer ball is specifically
targeted for children under the age of 8.
Size 4 soccer balls are generally a great fit for children between 8 and
12, and then the size 5 ball, which is the regulated size for professional and international soccer
matches, is for ages twelve and above.
If you are asking what happened to sizes 1 and 2, well they are mini balls
which are mostly used for training purposes, like skill work and tricks, but are not used for
matches.
So you now know what size ball that your budding David Villa requires to work with, but just as
your child will want to pick from a wide range of soccer shoes, there are further ball options to
consider as well.
The most common material used for the outer skin of the ball is not
leather, as we are not stuck in the 1960’s here, but instead is a Polyurethane compound. Why not
leather? Well, because modern synthetic materials can provide the same feel as leather, but are
able to be much more lightweight and durable.
Watch black and white footage of old soccer matches and see the big heavy
leather ball getting stuck in the mud. That is because those balls absorbed water, whereas the
protective material of Polyurethane repels water.
So combine the water resistance properties and the softer feel of
Polyurethane over leather, and you will see why this is the most common type of ball. You can also
purchase soccer balls made of PVC Plastic, and these are generally lighter and cheaper, and these
are ideal for throwing at the feet of young children (under six) for fun training with.
PVC doesn’t deliver the same kind of match day performance in striking
power and control than Polyurethane balls, so make the switch as early as possible. Of the innards
of the ball, a Butyl bladder is most common because it provides very long air retention.
Butyl is fantastically durable, and great for training and match day balls
for youngsters. These will be the type of ball your child comes into most contact with. Higher
quality and more expensive balls have latex bladders which help to retain the balls shape for
longer, and to provide extra feel, consistent bounce and better flight. When they sign their
professional contracts they will come across latex balls more often.
For training purposes a good, machine stitched (look for the classic 32
panels because this equates to durability) Polyurethane ball with a Butyl bladder, like the Nike
Tiempo Sola ball is great for children.
Don’t forget to get the right size option, and this common configuration
is what they should get used to. Touch, comfort and how the ball reacts when struck is important.
The Nike Tiempo Sola ball is super durable and high quality which holds its shape for a very long
time, allowing consistent performance.
The Adidas Glider Soccer ball is another great option, as it is versatile
enough for all conditions of pitches and superb value for a training and match ball. It possesses
long air retention and durability which are again key factors here, and has great
reviews.
Don’t forget a good indoor soccer ball as well, like the Brine Fuzzy
Orange which is great for practical indoor training and matches.
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