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Youth Soccer Equipment: Ball Size, Shin Guards, Cleats

Soccer is one of the cheapest sports to start: a ball in the right size, shin guards, and shoes that suit the field. This hub shows the size for each, links to our charts, and adds the backyard gear that helps a beginner practice.

Updated November 3, 2026 · By Editorial Team

Quick answer: what kids need for soccer

A ball in the right size, shin guards sized by height, and shoes that suit the field. US Youth Soccer lists size 3 for players 8 and under, size 4 for 10, 11 and 12 and under, and size 5 for 13 and older. Nike sizes shin guards by height, from Kids S at 48 to 51 inches. Our turf shoes versus cleats guide covers shoes.

Original illustration of a soccer ball, a shin guard and a cleat on a grassy field

What kids need for soccer

Soccer is a low-gear sport, which is why so many families start with it. The short list is a ball, shin guards, and shoes. Most leagues also expect socks long enough to cover the shin guards, and a water bottle. For goalkeepers there are gloves; for backyard practice a goal or rebounder helps. Everything else is optional.

Because the list is short, getting the sizes right is most of the work: a ball that is too big is hard to control, shin guards that are too long or too short sit wrong, and cleats that are too big slip. We use the published charts of Nike, adidas and US Youth Soccer. Where they disagree we show both.

Youth soccer first-season checklist
ItemHow to size itOur guide
BallBy age group: size 3, 4 or 5Soccer ball size by age
Shin guardsBy height, per the maker's chartShin guard size chart
ShoesFoot length, with socks on; match the surfaceTurf shoes vs cleats
Pump and gaugeInflate to the pressure printed on the ballHow often to check pressure
Practice gearRebounder, cones, small goalSoccer rebounders

Soccer ball size by age

US Youth Soccer's playing rules set the ball size by age group, and Nike publishes its own age bands. They match for the youngest and oldest players and differ in the middle, which is why age 8 shows two answers. If your child plays in a US Youth Soccer league, its rule applies; otherwise ask the league what it uses.

Soccer ball size by age
SizeUS Youth SoccerNike
Size 38 and under (and 6 and under); 23 to 24 in, 11 to 12 ozUnder 8; circumference 23 to 24 in
Size 410, 11 and 12 and under; 25 to 26 in, 11 to 13 ozAges 8 to 12; circumference 25 to 26 in
Size 513 and under and older; 27 to 28 in, 14 to 16 ozAges 13 and up; circumference 27 to 28 in

Sources: US Youth Soccer: Policy on Players and Playing Rules (June 23, 2026), Rule 303; Nike: Soccer ball size chart. Checked .

Our soccer ball size guide has a finder that shows both answers for an age. Inflate to the pressure printed on the ball and check it with a gauge.

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Shin guards: sized by height

Shin guards are sized by height rather than age. Nike's chart gives kids sizes S, M and L by height in inches, with a rough age for each. adidas lists junior sizes in feet and inches. The two charts overlap but do not match, so use the one on the brand you are buying, and try them on: the guard should cover the shin without pressing on the knee or ankle.

Kids shin guard size by height
Maker sizeHeightNotes
Nike Kids S48 to 51 inAges 4 to 6
Nike Kids M51 to 55 inAges 7 to 9
Nike Kids L55 to 59 inAges 10 to 12
adidas Junior S3 ft 3 in to 3 ft 10 inEqual to 39 to 46 in
adidas Junior M3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 6 inEqual to 47 to 54 in
adidas Junior L4 ft 7 in to 5 ft 2 inEqual to 55 to 62 in

Sources: Nike: Adults' and kids' shin guards size chart; adidas: Shin guard sizing. Checked .

See the shin guard size chart guide for how to check the fit. Whether shin guards are required depends on the league, so ask.

Shoes: cleats, turf shoes and the field

The right shoe depends on the surface the team plays on, so ask your coach whether practices are on grass, artificial turf or indoors. Our turf shoes versus cleats guide compares them, and sizing athletic shoes for a growing foot explains how to check fit as feet grow. The same fit rule as other sports applies: buy for the foot your child has now, with the socks they will wear. Ask the league whether it has rules on stud types.

A soccer cleat size chart tool is planned; until it is live, use the maker's chart on the page for the shoe you are buying.

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Backyard practice gear

Soccer needs very little space. A rebounder returns the ball for solo passing, a small goal gives a target, and a set of cones marks dribbling lines. Our guide to portable soccer rebounders covers size and setup. Add a hand pump with a gauge and a few spare valve needles: our pump and gauge guide explains why.

For agility work, try agility ladder drills for beginners.

Keeping it all together

A soccer bag with a ball compartment and a ventilated shoe pocket is enough for most kids. At home, a ball rack or bin keeps balls from rolling away; see ball racks, hooks, bins and carts compared and our storage hub.

  1. Ask the league

    Ball size, shin guard rules, cleat rules and the surface.

  2. Size the ball and guards

    Use the age and height charts above.

  3. Buy shoes for the field

    Match the surface and the foot as it is today.

  4. Add practice gear

    A rebounder, cones and a pump with a gauge.

Sizes and ranges here are makers' and leagues' published guidance, not a measurement of your child. Kids grow at different rates: check fit in person and follow your league's equipment rules.

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Soccer guides and size tools

Every guide and size chart we have for this sport.

Soccer ball size by age

Size 3, 4 or 5 with US Youth Soccer guidance. Read more

Shin guard size chart

Sizes by height from Nike and adidas. Read more

Turf shoes vs cleats

Which shoe suits which surface. Read more

Portable soccer rebounders

Size and setup for solo practice. Read more

How often to check ball pressure

Gauge and printed pressure. Read more

Sizing athletic shoes for a growing foot

Measure and recheck as feet grow. Read more

Size charts

Every size tool in one place. See the tools

Sports footwear

Cleats by sport. See the hub

Frequently asked questions

What do kids need for soccer?

A ball in the right size, shin guards, and shoes suited to the field, plus long socks and a water bottle. Goalkeepers add gloves. Ask the league about requirements; our checklist above shows how to size each piece.

What size soccer ball for a 9 year old?

US Youth Soccer lists size 4 for players 10 and under, and Nike lists size 4 for ages 8 to 12, so size 4 for a 9 year old on both. Ask your league which ball it uses, and read our ball size guide.

What size soccer ball for an 8 year old?

The sources differ. Nike lists size 4 for ages 8 to 12; US Youth Soccer lists size 3 for 8 and under. Ask the league which applies. The two circumferences are 23 to 24 inches for size 3 and 25 to 26 for size 4.

Are shin guards sized by height or age?

Height. Nike's chart lists Kids S for 48 to 51 inches, M for 51 to 55 and L for 55 to 59, with rough ages. adidas lists junior sizes in feet and inches. Use the chart for your brand; see the size guide.

Do kids need cleats for soccer?

Not always. It depends on the surface and your league. Turf shoes suit some artificial fields and indoor use, cleats suit grass. Ask the coach, then see turf shoes versus cleats.

How full should a soccer ball be?

Inflate to the pressure printed on the ball, and check with a gauge rather than guessing. See our guide on how often to check ball pressure.

Links on this page are Amazon Associates affiliate links to Amazon search results; we may earn from qualifying purchases. See our affiliate disclosure. Sizes and rules come from the sources named on this page; follow your league's equipment rules.