1. FIFA's Laws of the Game require that soccer balls be spherical, made of leather or other suitable material (typically polyurethane), not more than 28 inches or less than 27 inches in circumference, and not more than 16 ounces or less than 14 ounces in weight when a match begins. Size-5 soccer balls correspond to FIFA dimensions for players 12 and up.
2. If you want to know if a soccer ball meets the highest standards of quality, look for one of these two quality stamps: FIFA Approved or FIFA Inspected. To earn their rating, FIFA Inspected soccer balls must successfully pass tests of weight, circumference, roundness, bounce, water absorption, and pressure loss. The highest seal of quality, FIFA Approved soccer balls, must pass each of those six tests under even more demanding conditions, as well as a seventh test for constancy of shape and size.
3. Size-4 soccer balls are designed for youth players aged eight to 12. They're mid-sized intermediate balls with slightly smaller dimensions and lighter weights. Typically, they have about a 25- to 26-inch circumference (but can be as small as 24.4 inches), and a weight of 12 to 13 ounces (though some are heavier, e.g. 14 to 15.5 ounces).
4. Size-3 soccer balls are for children up to age seven or eight. They're commonly sized at about 23 inches in circumference, with a weight of 11 or 12 ounces. Kick balls are another option for beginners. They're usually larger and lighter (e.g. 30-inch circumference, 10-ounce weight), and easier for young players to kick.
5. Both FIFA-tested and recreational soccer balls are now commonly made from leather alternatives such as teijin microfiber and polyurethane. The 1982 World Cup was the first to feature a soccer ball made from a mix of leather and synthetics. Its polyurethane coating was more effective at repelling water.
6. Training soccer balls have design qualities that make them suitable for heavy-duty use or for particular training exercises. KixFriction balls, for example, have clearly visible spin direction and speed, which is useful for practicing ball control skills.
7. Futsal and indoor soccer balls feature brighter colors for high visibility, and hard-wearing, low-bounce designs that are suited to the idiosyncrasies of indoor play.
8. Our match soccer ball selection offers premium, FIFA-approved and-inspected balls for competitive play in high schools (NFHS approved), colleges, and leagues, including premier competition balls from Baden, Mikasa, Adidas, Brine, and Nike.
