What Size Soccer Ball For 8-Year-Olds? What You Should Know In 2024

Does your little child show a great interest in soccer? Whether he likes it or not, playing soccer is beneficial for your kids’ health and development. He not only gains more stamina but also has tremendous fun in his leisure time. 

However, the normal-sized soccer ball may seem too big for your kid. So, what size soccer ball for 8-year-olds? How to choose the proper equipment to give your child a safe and enjoyable sporting experience? 

I will answer all these questions in detail in this post. So, keep scrolling down to give your 8-year-old child the best moments. 

What Size Soccer Ball For 8-Year-Olds?

Soccer balls in size 4 will be ideal for children from 8 to 11 years old. They have a circumference between 24 inches to 26 inches.

A ball size 3 has a circumference of 23 – 24 inches, which is 15% smaller than the biggest size 5 balls used in professional soccer matches. However, it is much less heavy, with only 300 – 320 grams in weight.

This type is ideal when your kids have small feet and moderate body height. The kids of the same age can use the size 4 balls, which are slightly larger and heavier. 

If your kids have greater physical conditions, you can get them accustomed to heavy size 4 balls for more efficient practice. It’s also advisable to switch from size 3 to size 4 after your kids have mastered the skills and basic techniques. 

Small Size 3 Soccer Ball

Why Are Size 3 And 4 Soccer Balls Suitable For 8-Year-Old Kids?

Besides the materials and softness, the size of soccer balls heavily impacts your playing experience and safety. Therefore, this soccer ball size standard is very beneficial in helping customers choose suitable ball sizes for their ages. 

People of ages should use a proper ball size designed specifically for their body conditions. For example, children from 8 to 10 years old cannot deal with the regular heavy and large balls used in professional play. 

Therefore, a medium-size ball type 3 would be ideal for small kids to control, shoot, and practice basic soccer techniques. In addition, the heavy type 4 or 5 balls may be dangerous for your kids from strong impact. 

In severe cases, it can even cause muscle injuries, bruises, or joint breaks. In the case of size 3 or 4 balls, strong impacts will still hurt your kids, but it won’t lead to any serious consequences. 

What Ball Sizes Are Suitable For You? 

Each ball size comes with a regulated weight, circumference, and advisable age. Here are some characteristics and qualities of each size to help you choose the most suitable one. 

Size 1

Size 1 is designed for small children under 3 years old, which is the smallest and lightest type. With a circumference of around 18-20 inches, kids can easily hold it with one hand. 

Size 1 balls can also be used as gifts and souvenirs to help your kids get rid of boredom in their free time. It is not large enough to stumble the children when they step on, but not too small in case they swallow it. 

Size 2

Size 2 ball is slightly larger and heavier with a circumference of 20-22 inches. It is suitable for children between 3 and 5 years old. This type is the least popular since most soccer programs for children start from size 3. 

But if you want your kids to get used to playing with balls to spark their passion and love for this sport, choose a size 2. It’s very light and safe but still playable and ideal for practicing basic techniques. 

Size 3

Size 3 is the most common type since it’s used by most young football training institutions for kids between 5 and 8 years old. It’s suitable for virtually any child with a medium weight and circumference. 

Also, the official football matches and children’s soccer league training use this type. Therefore it’s crucial for children to practice with size 3 soccer balls. 

Size 4

Size 4 is also a great option for children who have accumulated basic controlling techniques in the game. Commonly the children will switch from size 3 to 4 when they grow a bit older (between 8 and 12 years old). 

It’s also the size of futsal balls with a significantly heavier weight, making it ideal for practicing skills and techniques.  

Futsal Soccer Ball

Size 5 

Size 5 is the largest type that you’re all familiar with. Young leagues and professional soccer matches around the globe all use this stand type. Due to its heavy weight, I won’t recommend size 5 for children younger than 12 years old. 

In addition, most size 5 balls bounce much more than the size 4 futsal products, so it’s not suitable for indoor playing. If you want to practice techniques for leisure play, size 4 balls are the better options. 

FAQs

How To Calculate The Diameter Of A Youth Soccer Ball

First, place the ball on the floor and against a wall at a 90-degree angle. Then use a flat object to hold it against the wall from the opposite direction. Then measure the distance from that object to the wall. 

Multiply that number by 3,14, and you’ll get the ball’s circumference. You can also weigh the ball and determine its size according to the sizing standard chart.

Professional Soccer Ball

Why Do New Soccer Balls Always Seem Smaller Than Used Soccer Balls?

New soccer balls are actually larger because the rubber materials covering them are fully stretched. After hundreds of kicks and collisions, the fabric and threads began to shrink, causing the ball to decrease in size. 

How Does The Size Of A Youth Soccer Ball Compare With Other Sports Balls?

The basketballs used for professional play are larger than soccer balls of the same type. Therefore, the youth soccer balls are also smaller at 68-70 cm, while the youth basketball size stands at 75 cm. 

What’s The Right Air Pressure For A Youth Soccer Ball?

The proper air pressure inside a youth soccer ball should range between  8.5 psi and 15.6 psi. When the pressure is too low, the ball gets shrunken and becomes harder to control. 

Too high pressures also cause the ball to harden and hurt much more when it collides with your body. 

What Size Is A Futsal Ball

Futsal balls are typically size four with around 62 – 64 cm in circumference and 410 – 430g. This heavyweight and medium size make them a perfect choice for performing techniques and leisure playing. 

Final Thoughts

What size soccer ball for 8 year olds? Soccer balls in size 4 will be ideal for children from 8 to 11 years old. They have a circumference between 24 inches to 26 inches, which is equal to a futsal ball’s size.

The medium size and heavier weight of this ball will help your kids control it better and avoid unwanted injuries. I hope that the answer provided in this post can satisfy you. 

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to let me know via the comment section. Follow Scott Fujita to discover more information about soccer-related topics. Thank you for reading!