Calling all soccer moms and dads!
It’s never too early to get your little one interested in the game. But if you want to pick up a new soccer ball that they’ll love - and won't destroy within days - then it can be difficult to know what kind of ball you should buy.
That's why we compiled this list of the best soccer balls for kids, so you don't have to guess! From bright colors to durable materials, find out the top picks for future soccer stars right here.
You can rely on us to help your kiddo realize their dreams of being a great player or maybe even winning at the World Cup someday! Whether they're just starting out or are well into their playing career, the quality-tested balls we've featured can last through long hours of practice with no tears from either grownups or budding players.
Check out our comprehensive compilation now, and onwards we go – Go, Team Kidz!
How We Choose the Best Soccer Ball for Kids
When it comes to finding the best kids' ball, we take the process very seriously! We go through thousands of reviews on Amazon and read what young players, parents, and coaches have to say about different soccer ball brands.
This helps us narrow down our selection to those products that are highly recommended - especially when it comes to durability, comfort, and design.
We also look carefully at performance ratings, customer photos, and refunds policies so that you can have peace of mind when buying a soccer ball for your child. We understand how important it is to choose the right product - after all, soccer balls should last season after season!
Through careful research and reviews from experienced users, we make sure our readers always get the highest-quality product that fits their needs.
The 5 Best Soccer Balls for Kids
The Best Foam Soccer Ball for Kids
Top Advantage: Soft, lightweight foam construction to ensure kids' safety
Top Disadvantage: One size soccer ball
What We Love
If you’re looking for the perfect ball to help your younger kids learn how to play, look no further than the Franklin Sports Foam Soccer Ball! Its soft foam construction helps give children and adults of all ages the confidence to get out there and have fun with the beautiful game without having to worry about any potential injuries!
With its bright neon colors, it’s easy to spot in outdoor or indoor lighting, making this an ideal tool for anyone wanting to practice their soccer drills at home. It can be used as an indoor soccer ball or an outdoor one!
On top of that, its lightweight design makes it perfect for young kids. You can easily transport it inside and outside - so whether it’s raining or sunny, everyone can still have a kickaround with the family.
Get your next game started with the Franklin Sports Foam Soccer Ball, and make the most out of your footballing experience!
What You Should Know
Whether it’s for a recreational game, backyard practice, or helping your child strengthen their soccer skills, the Franklin Sports Foam Soccer Ball is an excellent choice. It is a one size ball and designed for little hands, so it fits perfectly into any child's arms without causing discomfort when playing and practicing.
The soft foam material construction makes kicking and playing fun and safe – it won't hurt ankles or feet, plus the brightly-colored design creates an instant impact.
While you're teaching your kids how to balance firm control and precision while striking the ball forward, this requires minimal effort in regards to keeping up with maintenance and adjustments! All-in-all, the Franklin Sports Foam Soccer Ball provides a convenient choice for any kid who is starting to get active with a soccer ball!
The Best Affordable Soccer Ball for Kids
Champion Sports Extreme Series Composite Soccer Ball
Top Advantage: Exceptional air retention
Top Disadvantage: Pump sold separately
What We Love
Having the right gear makes all the difference when it comes to playing soccer. With that in mind, the Champion Sports Extreme Series Composite Soccer Ball is an excellent choice for any aspiring beginner or mid-level athlete— an all-purpose ball built with high air retention and suitable for any weather! It's made using soft TPU composite, which offers a smooth touch and reduced likelihood of injury when kicking, juggling or passing.
Plus, the patented machine-stitched panels are reinforced for extra strength, so you don't have to worry about it being damaged from rough handling. But what really sets this soccer ball apart is its butyl bladder with exceptional air retention—for accuracy and precision! All in all, this ball is perfect for up and coming athletes who want to play like stars without breaking the bank.
What You Should Know
The Champion Sports Extreme Series Composite Soccer Ball is an attractive option for parents looking for a reasonably-priced ball that is suitable for young children to play with. This soccer ball is incredibly durable and offers a great grip, ensuring that it won’t slip through little fingers.
Additionally, the bright colors of this great soccer ball make it easier for kids to keep track of their gear. It also comes with a good return policy, so there’s extra peace of mind knowing replacements can be obtained quickly and easily if needed. Just remember that this ball doesn't come with a pump and arrives deflated.
All in all, the Champion Sports Extreme Series Composite Soccer Ball offers good quality at a great price, making it an ideal choice for budget conscious parents and enthusiastic kids alike!
Greatest Value Kids Soccer Ball
GoSports Premier 6-Pack Soccer Ball with Premium Pump
Top Advantage: Offers a complete set of balls, pump, and carrying bag
Top Disadvantage: Peels when used on a gravel driveway
What We Love
If you're looking for a set of kids' soccer balls, then the GoSports Premier 6-Pack Soccer Ball with Premium Ball Pump is certainly a great option. As its name suggests, it comes in a pack of six so that you can grab one more ball whenever your kids need it. It has a machine stitched construction and an internal butyl bladder, making it extremely durable and suitable for any type of training or game.
Plus, its outer layer made of synthetic leather material resists abrasions and is designed to provide a pleasant feel while your little ones are playing. In addition, this great soccer ball includes a premium inflation pump that helps keep the air pressure always at the right levels, as well as a mesh carrying bag, so your kids can carry their balls without difficulties wherever they go.
What You Should Know
The GoSports Premier Soccer Ball is the perfect way to get kids interested in soccer. This lightweight, skin-friendly ball is specially designed for children (size 3 and 4 soccer balls), and features a double-layer design that holds air better than other official soccer balls.
Whether your little one is learning their first dribbling moves or already professionalizing on the soccer field, this is a good soccer ball set. Take note: there is also the option to purchase a single ball instead of 6 pcs.
The conveniently included pump makes inflating and deflating a breeze - so you can get back to enjoying time with the family while they engage in physical activity! With extra durability due to its special construction featuring reinforced bottoms, this ball really has it all. The only downside is the balls aren't great for use on gravel driveways, as this can result to the outer layer peeling away.
Top Advantage: Excellent air and shape retention
Top Disadvantage: Only recommended for recreational use
What We Love
The WILSON Soccer Ball is a classic and truly beloved piece of sporting equipment, providing children with all they need to practice the art and sport of soccer. This durable soccer ball is machine-sewn and has a synthetic leather cover for increased durability and keeps the ball inflated, as well as a reinforced rubber bladder that ensures excellent air and shape retention.
It has a traditional panel graphic with silver accents, ensuring it looks great no matter what kind of game your kid decides to play! Bring this trusty ball out for the backyard, street, or pitch and your child will be set for months of soccer fun.
What You Should Know
The Wilson Traditional Ball is widely considered to be the best kids' ball, especially out of all the synthetic leather soccer balls for kiddos, offering an all-around great experience on any playing surface. Its classic black and white design is eye-catching and sets young players up for success with a reliable, play-ready tool.
The size and weight of this traditional looking soccer ball are just right for developing players, offering control during match play while still allowing ample practice time due to durability. There is also a full size ball, aside from the 3 and 4 size soccer balls for kids.
The synthetic material holds up through multiple uses and seasons so that families don’t need to worry about replacing it year after year. Plus, its machine-sewn construction ensures excellent shape retention that’s consistent in every kick or shot.
All in all, the Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball is a great way to introduce young athletes to the game and set them on a path toward success before getting a professional ball for indoor and outdoor use instead of one that's for recreational use, like the popular adidas Capitano Soccer Ball.
Top Advantage: Impact Activated lights
Top Disadvantage: Slightly heavier than regular balls
What We Love
Looking for a unique way to add fun and excitement to your kid's soccer game? Check out the GlowCity Soccer Ball! With two LED lights, these light up soccer balls bring illumination to their time on the field, both indoors and out. This bright and eye-catching ball is made from 100% nylon with a sturdy rubber exterior to ensure that the batteries remain secure in their compartments.
Setup is quick and easy—simply pump it up and let the night games begin! The Impact Activated lights turn off automatically when not in use, making this one of the most efficient ways to enjoy hours of endless fun. So why not get your kids outside and glowing with this awesome GlowCity Soccer Ball today? It's definitely a must-try!
What You Should Know
Every parent wants their child to have the best of the best when it comes to sports and activities, and soccer is no different. The GlowCity Glow in the Dark Ball is an excellent choice as the best light up soccer ball for kids. Although the ball is slightly heavier compared to regular balls, its design makes it fun and accessible while providing fun night-time play.
The LED lights are bright and colorful, adding a spark of excitement to each game. Not only does this give kids something exciting to look forward to but also ensures visibility - whether on turf or concrete - for safer gameplay and prevention of any potential misplays caused by poor lighting conditions.
The durable outer shell offers superb control over ball movements, and the unique soft inner bladder gives another layer of protection even during rough play. With attractive features, this best light up soccer ball for kids is an absolute must-have for your child.
FAQs on the Best Soccer Balls for Kids
How do I choose a soccer ball for my child?
Choosing a ball for your child can seem like a daunting task, but there are some key things to consider that will help you make the best decision!
1. Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a kids' ball is size. There is a variety of soccer ball sizes, from size 3 to size 5. It is important to choose a soccer ball that is the appropriate size for the child. A small size soccer ball can be difficult to control, especially when it's too small than other balls suited for the player, while a too-large ball can be difficult to kick.
2. Material
Match balls and training balls are typically made from one of two materials: leather or synthetic leather. Most balls made of leather more expensive than synthetic PU balls, but they are also more durable. Synthetic leather balls are often cheaper than leather balls.
3. Weight
Soccer balls also come in a variety of weights. The weight of the ball is important as it affects how the ball moves on the field. A heavier ball will tend to move slower on the field, while lighter soccer balls will move faster. The weight of the ball is important for younger players, as a lighter ball is easier to control than a heavier ball.
4. Bladder Type
Soccer balls typically have one of two different types of bladders: latex or butyl. Latex bladders are typically softer than butyl bladders, and they are also more prone to leaks. Butyl bladders are typically more durable than latex bladders, but they are also harder and not as comfortable.
5. Price
Finally, the last factor to consider when choosing a brightly colored ball for kids is price. Soccer balls range in price from $10 to $100 or more. It is important to choose a ball that is affordable, as kids will likely outgrow their practice balls within a few years and would want to get a match ball soon like the adidas Capitano Soccer Ball.
What is the best soccer ball for 7 year olds?
Soccer is a great sport for kids as young as 7 to get involved in, and the best thing they can start out with is a size 3 soccer ball. This size ticks all the boxes of what kids need, as it has been specifically designed for young players to use with its slightly more manageable size.
Plus, it's what teams typically employ for all junior games, ensuring any soccer player aged 7 or younger will have an enjoyable match. So if you have a budding superstar on your hands, get them started off right with the perfect ball for their age - it's sure to give them the top-notch game experience they need!
What is the best soccer ball for an 8 year old boy?
If you’re looking for the perfect ball for an 8 year-old boy to play soccer with, the best ball size is size 4. Designed specifically for youth players aged from 8-12, it's lightweight, measuring between 250 and 390 grams, making it easier for little hands to control on the soccer pitch. It's also a great ball to use during practices or matches, as it is geared towards their smaller stature!
What type of soccer ball is better?
When it comes to picking a high quality ball, there are quite a few options out there and deciding which one is best can be a difficult choice! The three most common materials you'll find are PVC, Polyurethane (PU), and synthetic leather.
They all offer something slightly different, so depending on your intentions with the ball, your decision could be totally different! Go for a PVC ball if you're looking for something hardwearing and cost effective, a PU one if you'd like something performance-oriented, or if you require top quality, splurge on a professional grade synthetic leather ball – perfect for games or practice alike!
Should you pump a soccer ball?
Picking the right pressure for your soccer ball is paramount to having a great match. Soccer balls generally look like they don't need any inflation at all, but it's important to make sure that it has enough air to maintain its shape, bounce just right, and help you kick it far and accurately.
You should pump the ball until it feels slightly stiff but not tight. If your ball isn’t performing to its best capability, or if there’s a noticeable difference between how each side bounces, take a few minutes to check its inflation and make sure the air pressure is where it should be!
The Best Soccer Ball for Your Aspiring Athlete
Soccer is a popular and enjoyable sport that lends itself to a wide range of activities. From backyard kick-arounds to serious competition, the right soccer ball can make all the difference.
The best soccer balls for kids are specifically designed with young players in mind, taking into account durability, color, size, weight and bounce. With safety in mind, they often have extra toughness without sacrificing quality or comfort. Furthermore, the best kids' soccer balls come in an array of fun, eye-catching colors and patterns that can capture children’s attention and draw them into the game.
Soccer can help kids practice teamwork, improve coordination and increase their physical fitness – but only if they have the right equipment! With the best kids' ball for soccer, you’ll be sure to get your little ones off on the right foot with their upcoming season.
They're affordable, too, so check out the prices of our top picks!