The Best Footballs For Kids
If your young one has caught the football bug, it might be time to surprise them with a ball they can call their own. Adult-sized balls are tough to grab for small hands, so your kids will likely appreciate a downsized ball. Junior footballs also come in a variety of materials that make them easy to catch and softer on impact. Alternatives to the classic leather outer can also be better suited for games on concrete or indoors. We've rounded up our favorite footballs for kids so that you can get them started with their first game today.
What to Look For
We wanted to find the best footballs for kids on the market, so we took some important factors into mind. For starters, it’s worth considering materials. Foam constructions won’t deliver the tough impact of inflated balls, but they also aren’t likely to last very long on hard outdoor surfaces. Price is also an important consideration since we want our money’s worth. Our favorite overall is the Grip-Rite 100. This rubberized football is a little more delicate on the hands than leather options, but will still stand up to some punishment. If you’re looking for a soft option for total beginners, check out the Nerf Pro grip football. Read on below and you’ll be ready to play in no time.
Franklin Sports Grip-Rite 100
Tried and tested
Franklin Sports has been a venerable name in the game for decades, so there are few better brands ways to kickstart your youngster’s football obsession. The Grip-Rite 100 is constructed from durable rubber that will hold up to wear and tear on grass, concrete, sand, or any indoor surfaces. The deep pebbled exterior makes this ball extremely easy to clasp, offering a helping hand to novice catchers taking their first steps on the field.
Pros:
- This water-resistant rubber is suitable for all conditions of play, so you won’t have to call off a game if the weather dampens your spirits.
- These pro-style raised laces help you to balance the ball in your hand before a toss.
- This option is a bargain compared to similar rubberized balls.
Cons:
- The rubber composition may not please those looking to familiarize their kid with full-sized footballs.
Xedge Composite Leather Football
Almost there
Young players with serious ambitions will love this junior football from Xedge. This PU-composite leather ball is as close as it comes to the real deal, offering growing players a taste of professional playing conditions. This premium outer offers exceptional grip in combination with genuine leather lacing. Its balanced geometry will see it soaring through the air with precision.
Pros:
- The butyl bladder inside provides longer air retention than rubberized bladders.
- It arrives already inflated, so you can get your game on right out of the box without a pump.
- The multi-layered lining is more durable than single-layered balls.
Cons:
- The leather outer offers a comparable feel to professional balls, but it might be trickier for novices to handle than textured options.
Nerf Pro Grip Football
We all know that the atmosphere on the football field can sometimes get savage, but that shouldn’t deter smaller players from trying their hand at the sport. This foam practice ball from Nerf offers a cushioned option for new players to get started. Its soft composition means that their delicate hands won’t have to fear the powerful impact of an inflated ball. It gives new players a chance to get acquainted with the basic principles first, so they can choose when they’re ready to size up.
Pros:
- This bold duotone design has great visibility for outdoor games.
- The textured easy-grip exterior features ribbing and a hexagonal bevel to make throwing and catching easier than ever.
Cons:
- This foam outer can get scratched when used on hard surfaces like concrete.
Franklin Sports Foam Football
Try your hand
If it’s your little one’s first time tossing the pigskin, you’ll want to give them the best shot they have at feeling on top of their game and having fun. This foam football from Franklin Sports is an ideal candidate for new players. Its soft construction allows it to be squeezed under pressure, helping smaller hands to grip it with ease. Giving kids a chance to get started with this friendly option will help them build the confidence to develop their game or simply find endless fun in the process.
Pros:
- The bright neon patterns on this football are visible in all lighting conditions.
- Thanks to spiralized perforations on the flanks, this ball is easy to grip and will naturally spin through the air.
- Not only is the foam friendlier on the hands, but it could also mitigate damage to windows or the like from players still honing their accuracy in the backyard.
Cons:
- You won’t be able to toss this lightweight ball as far as heavier, air-filled options.
Wilson NFL MVP Football
All the trimmings
If you’re a regular player, frequently refilling your ball will ensure it stays in the best condition for play and could avoid damaging the inner bladder. This bundle option from Wilson will help to keep your spirits from being deflated, thanks to a pump included in the package. You’ll also get an official Wilson kicking tee, so you can take some time to practice your kicks.
Pros:
- The tacky synthetic cover and leather lacing give this ball a professional-style grip.
- The price is shockingly affordable, so you can invest in several if you’re looking to run drills.
Cons:
- The needle on this pump isn’t the sturdiest, so be delicate as you refill to avoid snapping it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are junior footballs compared to professional balls?
Younger players who are new to the game could appreciate the ease of handling offered by a downsized ball. While official balls measure up to 28.5 centimeters in length, junior options are only 26 centimeters long with a reduced diameter to match. For the smallest hands, try a pee-wee ball, measuring just 24 centimeters across.
Will I need to pump my new ball out of the box?
Some balls might arrive pumped, while others come deflated. This varies between brands and is usually detailed on the listing, so be sure to check before you buy. Regardless, balls that ship pumped might require some extra inflation on arrival to reach optimum pressure, so it’s never a bad thing to have a pump on hand.
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