Size 3 Soccer Match balls are seldom purchased for “match only” due to the fact that the soccer games for young players are mostly just for fun. The size 3 soccer ball was made for kids as young as toddlers starting to play and being introduced to soccer. The kids don’t graduate to a size 4 soccer ball until they are 9 years old. So most kids will play with a size 3 soccer ball from about 5 years old up to 9. During this time since the kids are so young, they will not put much wear and tear on the ball.
You can easily get away with having your son or daughter’s size 3 ball being a “training ball” and a “match ball”. A decent ball will continue to keep its shape and quality as long as it’s maintained appropriately by keeping it out of extreme weather conditions.
Remember that for the other kids who are still learning to love the game, a size 3 match ball probably won’t make a huge difference. The point of playing at such a young age is to learn the basics of playing soccer. The majority of children playing with a size 3 ball are still developing their technique and the quality of the ball will be mostly irrelevant until they reach the age of 7 or 8, unless it has completely lost its integrity (or “true bounce”), then you definitely need to replace it.
However, there are a few exceptions where very high skilled young athletes compete at high level tournaments. These young soccer players will need a good size 3 match ball that will live up to their skills. You don’t want to compromise their skills with a cheap training ball, you want a size 3 match football.
Here are some things to consider when purchasing a game ball for the elite young soccer players that need a size 3 game ball..
Price
You should expect to pay between $35 – $50 for a good quality size 3 football match ball. Inspect the ball before you buy because there are numerous size 3 balls that appear well constructed and very shiny, but may be made from materials that impact the responsiveness. You can learn more about the construction and dynamics of a soccer ball by reading our Soccer Ball Sizes Explained article.
Quality
A quality size 3 match ball can be difficult to find due to the fact that young kids are the ones playing with the ball. Make sure to review our article on Soccer Ball Sizes Explained and Best Soccer Ball for 8 Year old to learn how to choose the best quality.
In the past, I have found that some balls are very sticky and “stick” to the cleats of players. The end result is that kids are flying downfield and end up tripping over the ball when they attempt to take a touch to dribble. This can happen because the material the ball is made of has not been “broken in”.
Why is a soccer ball sticky?
This happens mostly with balls made of Special TPU exterior material. I can’t figure out why the balls stick, but it’s mostly with my favorite balls. It has something to do with the material. One thing you can do to speed up the process and remove the stickiness of a new soccer ball is to wash it with some soap and dry it down with a towel. This takes a few practices most of the time and will eventually be your favorite ball.
Comparison Chart
Recommended Size 3 Match Soccer Balls
Adidas Tango Youth Soccer Ball
- MLS CAPITANO BALL, INSPIRED BY MLS ACTION. Attack. Shoot. Repeat. Make every minute of training and game count with this soccer ball.
- Special TPU exterior material is designed to resist abrasion and last longer
- Butyl bladder for best air retention to keep the ball’s shape and stay inflated longer
Adidas Champions League Youth Ball
- Butyl bladder for perfect air retention to keep the ball’s shape and integrity, and a Special TPU exterior material designed to resist abrasion and last longer
- Designed as part of the 2015 Champions League Collection. The CL always creates some pretty cool soccer balls.
- Machined-stitched construction ensures soft touch and great durability for youth
- A huge plus is that this ball is also available in a mini size 1 ball, for inside training 🙂
Nike Academy – Team
Nike is absolutely one of – if not the – world’s leading manufacturers in sporting equipment, and it’s no surprise that they also create some of the best soccer balls in the industry. Their team soccer ball comes in a range of different colors and boasts incredible construction.
This ball features high-contrast graphics as part of its design that helps you track it easily, making it an excellent option for playing in low visibility conditions, such as indoors or during the sunset. The ball features molded grooves that are designed for a consistent spin when the ball is in the air, allowing you to add a lot of finesse to your shots that otherwise would not be possible.
While it is not the most budget-friendly soccer ball on the market, when you pay for Nike, you’re paying for world-class quality. To put it in perspective, professional players from many countries worldwide choose to play using Nike’s balls.
SELECT Club DB V20 Soccer Ball
The Select Club DB V20 soccer ball boasts a premium, dual bond build that significantly bumps up its build quality to world-class levels. It is one of the best size 3 balls on the market right now and would make for an excellent gift for young soccer enthusiasts.
It is machine stitched and sealed at the seams using glue which prevents water uptake and ensures that the ball can withstand lots of wear and tear. So, if your little one likes to get rough during their practice sessions, this ball will be great for them.
Select also included a TPU cover with foam backing to increase the feel and softness of the ball to be gentler on younger bodies when coming into contact with hands, legs, feet, and more. This means that your kids can enjoy playing with this ball for hours without worrying about their safety.
Adidas Unisex-Adult Finale 21 Club Soccer Ball
If you know anything about literally any sport, whether it’s running, soccer, or tennis, then you’re familiar with Adidas – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sporting equipment. They have broadened their horizons to create size 3 soccer balls that you can give to your kids to help them improve their soccer skills.
This ball is made from 100% thermoplastic polyurethane to provide it with weather and water resistance that helps the ball withstand a lot of wear and tear. So, no matter how hard you go on it, you’re not going to damage the Adidas Finale 21 easily.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this ball is its unique design, which is available in three different colors. It is eye-catching, and its high visibility nature makes it great for use in various visibility conditions. Plus, it means you can choose which option suits your color preferences best.
Wilson NCAA Copia II Soccer Ball
You may know Wilson as one of the world’s leading producers of tennis racquets and tennis shoes, but did you know that they also made soccer balls? If not, you do now. The Copia II soccer ball from Wilson is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to practice their skills in any condition.
The ball is made using a composite leather cover that provides it with lasting durability no matter how hard you kick it around. Wilson also included carcass windings which ensure optimal shape retention to make sure that you’re never kicking a misshapen ball.
There is a performance butyl bladder in the interior that is designed for a balanced shape that has consistent rebound and lasting air retention. Wilson also offers this ball in a range of eye-catching designs that allow you or your soccer fanatic to choose which option suits their preferences or soccer kit best!
Conclusion:
Soccer ball manufacturers don’t always focus on making match balls in size 3 for youth football players.
One major reason for this is that the market is very small, only kids between the ages of 6 and 10 years old are playing official games with a size 3 ball. Considering that most football and soccer leagues don’t even start playing official games until the kids are 9 years old, this could potentially diminish the number of kids actually playing football games at such a young age and shrink the market for a size 3 premium soccer match balls.
For this and several other reasons, you will have a difficult time finding a size 3 match ball. But don’t worry, we have included 3 very good options above for your review. We have also included many other resources within this blog that will help you decide.
Soccer Ball Fast Facts: Learn quick facts about soccer balls
Soccer Balls recommended for kids: Title says it all, look for other balls for youth too.
Select Numero 10 Soccer Ball: Select also offers great quality balls.