The Best Youth Soccer Ball Reviewed: Practise Like A Pro

May 30, 2019
best youth soccer ball

Playing sports is such an amazing way to get kids out from in front of the television and staying active. Soccer is right up there with some of the best team sports to enjoy.

When your kiddos are ready to play, you’ll need to do your homework to determine the best equipment for them. One of the most important products you need is the soccer ball.

I’ve put together a comprehensive guide showing you the best youth soccer ball to help get you prepared.


What Makes For A Good Soccer Ball?


Is the most expensive option your best choice? Not necessarily. There are several key factors you'll want to pay attention to when selecting the best soccer ball for kids.

First, a soccer ball can be two different materials; polyurethane or PVC plastic. Both are waterproof, but the balls made out of polyurethane have more control as they're heavier.

The inner bladder is also going to change the feel of the ball. It can be a Butyl bladder or latex. The Butyl bladder version is the one that gets pumped up often and is often harder.

A latex bladder is going to be softer and a higher quality ball, but often comes with a price tag you don’t want in a children’s ball.

Look for a name brand like Adidas, Nike, Puma and more. These are the leaders in the industry and make the best kids soccer ball.

The final thing you want to look at is the size of the ball. Size 3 balls are generally recommended for kids under the age of eight. Size 4 balls are made with ages eight through twelve in mind, and size 5 balls are best for children twelve and older.


Size guide


For kids, you should really be on the look-out for a Size 3 soccer ball. All football federations including FIFA and UEFA recommend this size for kids under 15 because it is lighter, softer and easier to play with.


What makes a good soccer ball


There are thousands of types of soccer ball out there on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some key things to keep in mind when sourcing a football:

  • Size of the ball - Is it for you? For the kids?
  • Price – What’s your budget?
  • Bladder type – How firm/bouncy do you want the ball to be?
  • Check Square
    Indoor vs Outdoor soccer ball – Where will you use it?

Best Youth Soccer Ball Reviewed



Adidas Messi Soccer Ball


Adidas Messi Soccer Ball

A leader in the soccer industry, Adidas, has designed this amazing Adidas Messi Soccer Ball for your kids playing enjoyment.

It's available in many different sizes and colors so you can customize it to suit your child’s taste. 

The ball is named after Messi who was the forward for FC Barcelona and the Argentina National Team.

He was also the winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

This ball’s outer layer is a hundred percent Thermoplastic Polyurethane and it features the Butyl bladder for longer air retention.

Adidas is a trusted name in the industry and one of your better choices to buy a ball from. They're a German multinational corporation that's the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second biggest in the world.

What you might not have known is that Adidas is the holding company for Reebok, TaylorMade, and other well-known companies.


Pros & Cons



Pros


  • This ball is from a leader in the soccer industry.
  • You can customize the ball to many different color options and the size that is right for you child.
  • The outer layer of the ball is Thermoplastic Polyurethane for a long life.
  • thumbs-o-up
    This Adidas ball is designed for a long air retention, reducing the number of times you need to fill it.

Cons


  • It’s more expensive than generic balls that aren’t made as well.

Keeping The Ball Clean


After you’ve invested money into the best youth soccer ball, you'll want to care for it properly so it can last for a long time to come.

First, make sure you keep the ball clean. Inevitably, the ball is going to see its share of dirt, so it’s your responsibility to wipe it clean with a rag. Don’t use high pressure on the ball or cleaning sprays as they can actually cause damage.

Make sure you regularly check the inflation of your ball. If it’s over-inflated or under-inflated, it will dramatically reduce its life span.

The best surface for the ball is always natural grass or artificial turf. Don’t use the ball on pavement as it will mark up the surface.


Conclusion


Now that you’ve found the best kid's soccer ball on the market and your kiddos can enjoy some of the great outdoors with their friends, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve made a wonderful investment in their lives.

Who knows, you might just raise the next Lionel Messi!

If you want to see a child showing off his version of Ronaldo's skills, be sure to check out this YouTube video.