Soccer balls vary in size and quality, depending on the needs of the player. For children, the size of the soccer ball is the single most important consideration for selecting the right ball.

Size

Soccer balls come in a range of sizes from 1 to 5.

• Size 5 balls are the largest and heaviest, and are used by players U14 and up, all the way to the professional leagues.
• Size 4 balls are used by players U9 to U13.
• Size 3 balls are used for children playing in the U6 to U8 age groups.
• Size 1 & 2 balls are used as promotional items by various manufacturers and organizations. These balls can also be used for skill development by players of all ages.

Construction

Most soccer balls are constructed with 3 separate layers: the cover, the internal lining, and the bladder. The cover is made with synthetic leather, ranging in quality from a product called AI-2000 used by professionals, to Polyvinyl Chloride used in less expensive practice balls.

Under the ball's cover is the internal lining, which is either made of polyester or cotton. Higher quality balls usually have four layers of lining, providing a thickness which is an important part of a quality ball.

At the heart of a ball is its bladder, which holds the air. Bladders are either made of butyl, which retains the air for longer periods, or of latex, which provides a better feel to the ball, but needs to be re-inflated regularly. Higher quality balls use latex linings.

The highest quality balls meet a standard set by FIFA, the governing body for soccer. The FIFA standards cover the size, weight and air pressure of a ball. The standards also ensure that balls hold their shape, do no absorb more than a specified amount of moisture, and retain air pressure even under heavy use.

Prices

Soccer balls range in price from under $10, to well over $100 for FIFA approved balls. For young players, you'll want to find a ball that is durable enough to stand up to the abuses of being used on gravel, pounded against chain link fences, and bounced off concrete walls. You'll also want to keep in mind that as balls get used, abused, and lost, they may need to be replaced a couple times a year.