What Size Soccer Ball For a 5 Year Old?

Soccer is not only a fun game for kids to enjoy, but it’s a great way to get your young ones playing outside and exercising. Of course, you’re going to need a soccer ball if you want your kid to play the sport, but you shouldn’t use any size soccer ball. 

You’ll need to make sure that you’re using the correct soccer ball size for your child so that they’re able to maneuver the ball, kick, and pass it around. If the ball is not the right size, they will not be able to develop and work on their skills, and they may get frustrated.

But you might be asking yourself what size soccer ball can be used by five-year-olds who are passionate about soccer and want to play anytime they can get outside. So, let’s take a look at what the best size ball is for your five-year-old. 

The Best Soccer Ball Size for 5 Year Old

Like we’ve already established, there’s no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ soccer ball. Your five-year-old is going to have a much better time with ball control if they’re playing with a ball that is the right size for them – using an oversized soccer ball will hinder their progress and development. 

There are four main sizes that we typically use when measuring soccer balls, with each having specific dimensions that line up with the age and size of the player. A couple of these sizes work well for youth soccer players, while larger-sized balls are generally better for larger, older players. 

Size 1 – Great for 4 to 5-Year-Olds

Size 4 soccer balls are the most petite options out there and are also sometimes referred to as mini soccer balls. They have an 18 to 20-inch circumference and are one of the only ball sizes that are not dictated by the age of the player but by when you can use the ball.

These soccer balls are more for entertainment and fun than actual soccer gameplay. You’ll often find memorabilia or promotional balls in this size, but these aren’t intended to be used in actual gameplay – they’re more of a decoration or for just a bit of fun. 

Size 3 – Best for 6 to 7-year-olds

Size 3 soccer balls work the best for players between the ages of 6 and 7. They are closer to the size of a proper ball but are still small enough to be used by youth players depending on the player’s age. Size 3 balls are usually around 24 inches in circumference and usually weigh just over half a pound each, which makes them perfect for youth players. 

Size 3 is the smallest size of soccer ball that you’ll see on the field, but they’re still not typically used for competitive games. They are the best for young kids who are still learning how to handle a soccer ball. 

Size 4 – For 10-Year-Olds

Next up is the Size 4 soccer ball, which is commonly found to be used by players who are between 10 and 12 years old. These balls are generally around 25 – 26 inches in diameter and are commonly used in most youth soccer leagues. They’re also sometimes called youth footballs. They are great for skill training in younger players who are still learning to play soccer. 

They are instrumental in teaching younger players how to handle the ball during competitive gameplay and are close in size to an adult-sized ball. 

Choosing a Soccer Ball for Kids – How Do You Do It?

There are a couple of things that you should be looking for when choosing an ideal soccer ball for your kids. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Materials

It might surprise you to learn that soccer balls aren’t all made of the same material, but rather, manufacturers can use many different materials to make them. The two most popular are polyurethane and polyvinyl carbonate. Both are usually abbreviated to PU and PVC, respectively. 

There are some key differences to be aware of when comparing these two materials, and these differences are most evident on the field. 

Generally speaking, PVC balls are more affordable and are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Since they are made of more durable materials, they’re good to use on pavement, dirt, gravel, and other harsh surfaces. 

On the other hand, professionals or famous competitions often use PU soccer balls, such as the World Cup. This is due to their responsive and easy to control nature – two features that are coveted by professional players globally. 

The Interior

Regardless of the size of the soccer ball you purchase, there’s a chamber inside that fills up with air when you pump the ball up. This chamber is known as the bladder, and it serves to keep the ball inflated while you’re kicking it around. When the bladder of a soccer ball becomes punctured, it will no longer be able to keep air inside, which will cause the ball to deflate. 

These days, most soccer ball bladders are made using either butyl or latex and each brings different qualities to the ball. Butyl bladders have excellent air retention, even after months of use. On the other hand, latex bladders are often used in professional soccer balls due to their softer nature and ability to withstand repeated hard kicks. 

Panels

You’ll find that the majority of soccer balls on the market come with 32 panels on the face, though some only have 18 to 24 panels. We suggest looking for larger, thicker panels, as these are more durable and tend to feel better on the feet. 

When a ball has fewer panels, it often ends up being less stable, which can negatively impact your performance. Interestingly, some panels are hand-stitched, while others are merely glued to the lining of the ball during mass production – it’s obvious which method yields a better quality soccer ball. 

Why You Should Encourage Your Kids to Play Soccer

Soccer is a fantastic sport for people of any age to play, and it’s got a number of health benefits for kids. 

For starters, soccer can promote better health in your young ones, improving cardiovascular health and lowering the heart rate to ensure that your kid grows up with a healthy heart. All of the running that is involved in the sport also improves their body strength and helps them become more flexible. 

If you have more than one child, then soccer can promote teamwork and bonding between your kids, teaching them how to work together. Activities such as soccer teach your child the value of working together in all of their relationships, whether they’re with their friends or family. 

One of the most significant benefits that soccer provides to young children is that it helps sharpen their motor skills. When playing soccer, kids are required not only to focus on the ball but on their own bodies and the other players, which helps improve their concentration and hand-eye coordination skills. 

Final Thoughts

And there you have it. Now you know exactly what size soccer ball to get for your 5-year-old Ronaldo in the making. We hope this information has inspired you to encourage your little one to keep playing this fantastic sport and that you will get the perfect ball so that they can work on their skills.