Football balls
The Ballons page brings together match and training footballs, lightweight balls for kids, and foam balls for early games, like the elephant skin ball SEA.
A ball is selected based on the size of the category, then its construction and playing surface.
Size by category
The clubs use three ball sizes. The size 3 is for the youngest players, the size 4 is for the U9 to U13 categories, and the size 5 is for U15s and adults, with a regulated weight between 410 and 450 grams. Lightweight balls maintain the diameter of a given size but are lighter, allowing children to kick and control without straining.
For toddlers and indoor games, elephant skin foam balls, like the SEA one, are covered with a smooth and durable outer layer that protects the foam: lightweight and safe, they don't hurt on impact and won't break anything inside.
Sewn, glued or thermally bonded
A sewn ball joins its panels with stitches: cost-effective and robust, it absorbs more water and becomes heavier in the rain. A glued ball, like the Addglue models from Uhlsport, joins its panels without visible stitching, better retains its weight and shape, and offers a more consistent trajectory. Thermally bonded balls, assembled with heat, are used in major competitions for their reliability.
Playing surface and maintenance
On synthetic pitches and asphalt, a ball with a thick cover is more resistant to abrasion. On natural grass, a finer match ball offers a better touch. A ball is inflated to the pressure indicated near the valve, using a moistened needle to avoid damaging the valve, and should be stored away from heat. An over-inflated ball can strain its seams and become misshapen.
Other equipment
Ball bags are found in the luggage section, and training equipment, protective gear, and referee kits can be found on the equipment page.
New arrivals and good deals
The new arrivals showcase the latest models, promotions feature previous collections at discounted prices, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, sales, and Black Friday have their dedicated football page.
Frequently asked questions
What size ball for a ten-year-old child?
Between U9 and U13, clubs play with a size 4 ball. A ten-year-old falls into this category: a size 4 ball, possibly lightweight, allows them to kick and control without straining. Size 5 only comes into play from U15.
What pressure should a football be inflated to?
The recommended pressure is printed near the valve, typically between 0.6 and 1.1 bar for a match ball. Moisten the needle before inserting it to avoid damaging the valve, and check with a gauge rather than by feel.
Why is the classic football black and white?
The black and white panel pattern became standard with the 1970 World Cup ball, designed to be visible on the black and white televisions of the time. The contrast also helped to track the ball's rotation.
How to repair a leaking football?
A leak at the valve can often be fixed with a drop of silicone lubricant or glycerin on the needle before inflation. A punctured bladder or an opened seam is harder to repair: the ball then joins the bag of games, and a new one is needed for matches.
What ball to choose for toddlers?
For children under four or five years old, a foam ball, like the elephant skin SEA ball, is ideal: lightweight and soft, it doesn't hurt on contact and can even be used indoors. The size 3 ball then takes over for the first training sessions.
