Best Youth Soccer Balls to Buy in 2024
What are the best youth soccer balls? One of the reasons why soccer has become so popular amongst youth players in the United States is because it is a very simple sport to start playing and enjoying and it does not require a lot of gear and equipment.
The only thing you really need to play this game is the soccer ball itself and your bare feet. You don’t even need soccer cleats or shin guards unless you plan to play on a competitive team that trains and plays games weekly.
From the grassroots level to the professional level there are many different types of soccer balls for different ages, playing styles, and variations of the game. That is why in this blog post I will be going over the best youth soccer balls to buy in 2024.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Soccer Ball
Choosing the right soccer ball is important for players of all ages and levels. Here are some tips to help you choose the right soccer ball for you:
Purpose and Playing Surface:
The first thing to consider when choosing a soccer ball is the purpose of the ball. If you are going to play on natural grass or artificial turf fields it is best to choose a ball with a more rigid outer layer for better control, but if you are going to be playing indoor soccer or futsal it is best to use a smaller and heavier indoor soccer ball to limit its bounce.
Soccer Ball Size:
Soccer ball sizes vary depending on the age group and level of play and it is very important to get the right size ball for you. The size of the ball is also going to determine its weight.
- Size 5 is the standard size for adults
- Size 4 is for youth players aged 8-12
- Size 3 is for younger players aged 4-8.
- Size 2 and size 1 soccer balls are for players younger than 4 years old.
Materials:
Soccer balls are made of different materials so find the one that works for you. There are also five main parts of a soccer ball which include:
- The ball’s cover, or the casing, which surrounds the ball
- The ball’s inner linings
- The bladder, which is the inside of the ball that holds air.
- The stitching
- The valve
Brand:
Choose a reputable brand that produces high-quality soccer balls, such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma.
Top Picks for Best Youth Soccer Balls
Before I give you my top picks for best youth soccer balls it is important to know that these balls will most likely arrive deflated, which is why it is important to have a ball pump to inflate them once they arrive.
Best Overall soccer ball: Nike Park – Team Soccer Ball
Nike Park – Team Soccer Ball
$25.95
If you are looking for the best overall soccer ball for youth players then check out the Nike Park Team Soccer Ball. This soccer ball goes for an affordable price, it is of great quality, and will help your youth player have a lot of fun, plus this is the most important piece of equipment players need to improve their skills.
This ball also comes in various colors, white, red, orange, and green. This ball is also suitable for all types of games and surfaces.
Best Durable Soccer Ball: Select Club DB Soccer Ball
Select Club DB Soccer Ball
$28.19
If durability is your main concern when it comes to soccer balls then the Select Club DB is the right choice for you. This premium quality ball is made up of double-bonded panels that are machine stitched and seam-sealed.
The ball also includes a TPU cover with Foam backing to increase softness and feel with the famous “True flight quality” from SELECT.
Best Practice Soccer Ball: Adidas MLS Practice Soccer Ball
Adidas MLS Training Ball
$28.99
If you are interested in a soccer ball to use specifically for training then the Adidas MLS practice balls is one of the best options out there. This machine-stitched ball is soft and durable, plus the butyl bladder allows it to retain its shape.
This is a really high quality ball that will cost less than the other products on this list.
Best Indoor Soccer Ball: Senda Athletics Futsal Ball
Senda Athletics Futsal Ball
$25.19
Moving on to the indoor version of the game, if you’re looking for a smaller and harder ball to use for futsal, indoor soccer, or pickup games on hard surfaces, then by far the best choice on the market is anything from Senda Athletics.
Best Smart Soccer Ball: SENSE Soccer Ball
SENSE Soccer Ball
$44.99
When soccer meets technology you get smart soccer balls. Out of all the smart soccer balls on the market, the SENSE soccer ball stands out as one of the cheapest and most useful balls that is used by elite academies around the world such as Sevilla’s youth academy in Spain,
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important equipment for youth soccer players?
Having the right equipment for youth soccer players is key to their success. The best equipment that youth players will need includes soccer balls, cleats, indoor shoes, shin guards, and a soccer bag to carry everything around.
How can you tell if a soccer ball is high quality?
High-quality soccer balls often have certifications, reputable brands, and features such as durable construction, optimal air retention, and suitable design for various playing surfaces.
What is the perfect shape and air pressure for a soccer ball?
Maintaining the right shape and air pressure is key for a soccer ball’s performance. A soccer ball must have a spherical shape, as specified by FIFA, which ensures fair play with consistent rolling and bouncing.
When it comes to air pressure, stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines, usually ranging from 8.5 to 15.6 psi. Make sure to have a handy soccer ball pump to keep all of your soccer balls at this perfect pressure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right soccer ball is crucial for any player, and this is especially true for youth players. Youth players must train with the right sized soccer ball to develop their skills properly and get ready to move on to the larger training balls.
Once players are old enough to play with a size 5 soccer ball, then they could always go back and train with smaller balls to improve their touch even more, since once they are older smaller soccer balls will be harder to juggle than bigger soccer balls.
In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about youth soccer balls, including tips to find the right ball and options to choose from.
