| One of the best things about soccer is that you | | | | a softer ball, particularly if they will be using it to |
| need very little equipment to get started. But it's a | | | | practice heading. A PVC plastic ball may be an option, |
| bit hard to play soccer without a ball! So if your child | | | | if it's specifically designer for youth soccer. You can |
| is keen to play soccer, you will need to buy a soccer | | | | check the hardness of a soccer ball by pressing your |
| ball. Faced with a whole range of possibilities, it's not | | | | thumb into it. Also remember that the ball may feel |
| easy to know which ball is the right one for your | | | | harder if used in cold weather. |
| child. So let's take a look at how to choose the right | | | | Another factor to consider is the size of the ball. As |
| soccer ball. | | | | a general rule of thumb, 8 and unders use size 3, 8 |
| The first thing is to visit a store that has a good | | | | to 12 year olds use a size 4, and from 13 years of |
| selection. If there are only one or two choices, how | | | | age on a size 5 ball is used. Size 5 is the standard |
| can you possibly know you've bought the right one? | | | | international size soccer ball. Although it may seem |
| If possible, the store should have several brands | | | | more economical to just buy a size 5 ball and not a |
| available, and at least a few choices of ball for each | | | | smaller size, it can be difficult for a younger child to |
| brand. It also helps if the store has knowledgeable | | | | swap from one ball size to another, for example if |
| salespeople, so it might be a good idea to ask | | | | they play in a team which uses size 3 balls. |
| around. | | | | The manufacturer's reputation can also help you |
| One of the easiest things to look for is whether the | | | | decide which soccer ball to purchase. Ask the team |
| ball has been stitched or laminated. A laminated ball | | | | coach or an experienced player which brand they |
| has been glued together and will generally be harder. | | | | recommend. Check to see if the ball has the words |
| Generally the higher quality balls are stitched, with | | | | "FIFA Approved" or "FIFA Inspected" if you're buying |
| some of the most expensive balls being hand | | | | an expensive ball. |
| stitched. | | | | Finally, have your child test the ball if you possibly |
| Apart from the "hardness" of the ball, the feel of a | | | | can, even if it's just a few gentle taps around the |
| soccer ball is affected by the type of bladder. This is | | | | floor of the sports store. They'll soon tell you |
| inside the ball and holds the air. If the ball has a butyl | | | | whether they like it or not. |
| bladder, it will usually be harder and cheaper. More | | | | A few final words of advice. Remember that soccer |
| expensive balls tend to have latex bladders. | | | | balls sometimes go astray, so make sure you put |
| Some players will prefer the harder type of soccer | | | | your child's name on the ball if they're taking it to |
| ball, particularly if they're planning to use the ball for | | | | school or soccer practice. And buy a good hand |
| striking practice. However if you're buying a soccer | | | | pump - it's important to keep soccer balls properly |
| ball for a younger player, it's probably best to choose | | | | inflated to avoid damage. |