Purchasing FIFA Approved Adidas, Nike, and Colored Soccer Game Balls

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If you’re just starting out in soccer, you probably won’t want to overspend on a soccer ball, but it’s also important to have one that makes the most of your play. If you’re purchasing a soccer ball for yourself, you will want the size 5 soccer ball, which is the official size for players over the age of 12. If you’re buying a ball for your child, buy a size 4 for children aged 8-12, and a size 3 for children under 8 years of age.

Other considerations for soccer players include the hardness of the ball and its cost. There are a variety of styles and price ranges of popular brand soccer balls like Nike, Adidas and Puma. Buy a soft soccer ball if you are just starting out: chances are, the ball may be bounced off someone's face as often as their knees! Test for softness by mashing the ball with your thumbs, and don't forget to try it out. You can buy soft soccer balls made of PVC plastic that comes in all sizes. In regions with hot weather,you may choose a harder ball, because the heat will soften it somewhat.

The cost of the ball is another factor in its purchase: soccer balls get kicked onto roofs, go home with the wrong group, or disappear into dark closets, never to be seen again. Plan on spending around $20 for a soccer ball, and expect to replace it a few times a year. Most likely a custom colored ball in purple, green or pink may run a few dollars more. Also plan to buy a hand pump for keeping your soccer balls properly inflated.

More advanced players prefer a harder soccer ball. Additionally, college teams or community soccer may have specific requirements as to size and softness of the soccer ball.

The best soccer balls are stitched by hand, (not laminated or glued) and have latex air bladders inside rather than the cheaper butyl bladders. The FIFA inspection or approval seal is placed on the better soccer balls. If you have several types of soccer ball to choose from, you may want to ask a soccer coach or someone who has been playing awhile.