How To Buy A Soccer Ball

You can't play soccer without a soccer ball. Buying the right ball for your player is simple once you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You have to choose the right size for your player and the right material for their needs.

Choosing the right size ball

Step one in purchasing a soccer ball, for recreational or competitive play, is determining the proper size for your child based on age groups. These types of soccer balls come in three different sizes which range from size 3 to size 5.

Recreational balls will also be commonly refered to as Training or Club. Professional or Match are additional names for Competitive balls.

If your child plays in a league or a soccer program, each may have different size requirements, so be sure to check with your coach to find out which is the proper size.

Size 3

•  Size 3 balls are the smallest balls and are used for children under the age of 8
• These balls are usually 23-24 inches in circumference and weigh between 11-12 ounces

 Size 4

•  Size 4 balls are used for players ages  8  to 12
•  Size 4 balls weigh between 12-13 ounces and have a circumference of 25-26 inches

Size 5

•  This is the international standard match ball for all ages 12 and older, including all adult play 
•   The size 5 ball weighs between 14-16 ounces with a circumference of 27-28 inches

Ball construction

The surface of soccer balls or coverings are made up from synthetic leather. There are many variations of leather used in the construction of soccer balls. They range from AI-2000, Japanese Cordley, Korean Ducksung, PU and Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC). Best soccer balls used in competition and by professionals are produced by using AI-2000, Cordley, Ducksung or PU synthetic leather. Promotional soccer balls or practice balls are usually constructed with Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC).

Material thickness plays a vital part in the quality of hand-sewn soccer balls. Multiple layers of lining are placed between the cover and the bladder. These layers are composed of polyester or cotton. Professional soccer balls usually have four layers of lining. Promotional or practice balls are often constructed with less layers of lining. Traditional soccer balls are made from 32 panels (20 hexagons and 13 pentagons). There are different variations of balls available in the market which are made from 18 and 26 panels.

Picture of a 32 panel traditional soccer ball

Picture of 6 panel mini soccer ball

The bladder in a soccer ball holds the air. Compared to latex bladders, butyl bladders retain air for longer periods of time. Arguably the latex bladders provide better surface tension. Please note that all promotional and club level balls are fitted with a latex bladder. There is an additional thirty cent ($0.30) charge per ball if you choose to have the butyl bladder in customized balls. 

FIFA requirements for official size soccer balls are as follows.

The ball should be:
• spherical
• made of leather or other suitable material
• of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less than 68 cm (27 ins)
• not more than 450 g (16 oz) and not less than 410 g (14 oz) in weight at the start of the match
• of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1,100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in – 15.6 lbs/sq in)